Chapter 12: Ryu Taesan

I couldn't sleep properly that night. I tossed and turned, and eventually, I woke up much earlier than usual. As I reached for my phone, I noticed two messages from Dohyun:

"Just call me when you wake up, for God's sake."

"I'll wait."

Without hesitation, I called him right away. He cut the call immediately, and within less than a minute, there was a knock on my door. It was obvious—he hadn't slept at all. He'd been waiting right by his door for my call. We were neighbors, after all, and the distance between our apartments was practically nonexistent. I opened the door and took in his appearance, a mix of exhaustion and urgency etched on his face.

"Did something happen? You look like you've just come from hell," I asked, worry creeping into my voice.

He met my gaze intensely, his words coming out in a rush. "Taesan, you're the one who saved Sera from the bridge that night, aren't you? It was your shirt she was wearing during the orientation. And remember the night when your dad passed away? You woke up in the hospital and asked me about a girl—whether she survived or not. That girl... you were asking about Sera, right? I didn't put the pieces together back then because it hadn't even happened yet. But now I realize—you saved her later, but you dreamt about her before. That's why you were asking me. And Sera's father... he stopped contacting her after the orientation. You did something, didn't you? Did you use some kind of supernatural power or something? You've been acting so strange lately, Taesan."

I sighed, realizing that I couldn't keep the truth from him any longer. "You caught me, Dohyun. The police arrested Sera's father because I saw a vision—he was going to kidnap her. I... I've started seeing visions of the future, Dohyun. I don't understand how it works. At first, I was terrified. But then I realized... Someone is controlling everything. It's like someone is guiding me somehow."

Dohyun's eyes widened as he processed my words. "How far have you seen into the future?"

"There's more. Yoon Soobin is alive, and I have to find him. And there's this little girl I keep seeing in my visions. I don't know what connection she has to me, but I feel like she's meant to find me."

Dohyun's voice was softer now, almost pleading. "Can you explain everything to me?"

I took a deep breath and poured out all the details—the blue bird drawing, the secrets about Jia Noona, Yoon Soobin, Shin Yejoon, Sera's father, Sera herself, and the things Kim Jongkook had revealed about my mother. As I spoke, Dohyun's expression shifted from confusion to shock, and finally to something resembling understanding.

"Why did you keep this from me, Taesan?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Because it's strange, Dohyun. No one would believe me if I said I could see the future. You wouldn't have believed me either. I thought you'd think I was losing my mind."

Dohyun's face softened, and he sighed deeply. "What do you plan to do now?"

I met his gaze, feeling a strange sense of relief at finally sharing this with someone. "We need to make a plan. I can't do this alone anymore."

Dohyun nodded, his expression serious. "Promise me you won't keep anything from me again. I want to help."

"I promise."

A heavy silence hung between us for a moment before he spoke again, his voice tinged with regret. "I... I didn't trust Sera. I thought she was taking advantage of you because of your wealth. I feel guilty now. She's been through so much, and I should've treated her better."

I placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a small, reassuring smile. "She doesn't have any idea about my family and Don't beat yourself up about it, Dohyun. I should have told you everything sooner."

He nodded, looking more determined than ever. As we stood there, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, with Dohyun's help, we could face whatever was coming together.

Our course teacher decided to organize a business study trip to a village site, splitting the entire class into smaller groups. I was paired with Zixuan and Jiwon, while Dohyun teamed up with Sera and Yujin. Though we'd all be traveling to the same area, our group activities would be separate. Zixuan asked the teacher when we'd be heading to the site. The teacher suggested that if we were ready, we could set out the next day or day after tomorrow, as we had a day of group work planned following the visit. We all agreed.

Two days later, we started our journey at the crack of dawn. Most of us hadn't had time for breakfast in the rush to leave. When we reached our destination, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, we divided into our respective groups and decided to eat before starting our work. Zixuan, Jiwon, and I settled down at a small restaurant for breakfast. As we began eating, Jiwon broke the silence.

"Zixuan, are you feeling lonely with us?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Zixuan looked puzzled. "Why would I? I'm enjoying myself."

Jiwon leaned closer with a teasing grin. "Well, since Sera isn't in our group, I thought you might be missing her. Don't worry, though—if you two end up dating, I'll be rooting for you all the way."

Dating? What? I thought, feeling a jolt of surprise. Just how close were Zixuan and Sera that Jiwon would say something like that? What had she seen between them?

Zixuan shot a quick glance at me before turning back to Jiwon, looking slightly flustered. "Jiwon, just focus on your food."

But he didn't deny anything. He simply brushed it off. Why wouldn't he deny it? Were they really that close?

Just then, the restaurant manager came over, asking if we needed any more food. The moment our eyes met, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me, like a wave I couldn't fight against. His face, his voice—something about him stirred a deep, unsettling feeling in my chest. My mind spiraled, thoughts racing like a storm. When he smiled warmly at me, that smile struck a chord buried deep in my memory. It was then that I realized—this man, standing right in front of me, was none other than my uncle, the one who had vanished when I was just 12 years old.

After breakfast, I went to wash my hands, but my mind was elsewhere. As I came out, my eyes darted around the room, searching for him. I hurriedly asked a waiter, "Where's the manager?" He pointed towards the back, and my heart pounded harder with every step. I needed to be sure. It had been so long, but I still remembered his voice, his tone, the way he smiled. And that scar on his right hand... I had to see it.

Summoning every bit of courage, I followed the direction the waiter gave. My legs felt weak, my hands clammy, but I pressed on. I approached him, feeling like time had slowed to a crawl.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling.

"Me?" He seemed caught off guard, glancing around, unsure if I meant him.

"Yes, you," I insisted, trying to steady my voice.

He nodded, and we moved to a quieter corner, away from the busy dining area. My heart raced, and without thinking, I blurted out, "Roll up your apron."

He looked confused, even a little defensive. "What? Why would I do that?"

But the uncertainty in his eyes only made my determination grow. I couldn't hold back anymore. Before he could protest, I reached out and rolled up his sleeve myself. And there it was—the scar. The scar I remembered so clearly from my childhood. My hands shook as I stared at it, emotions overwhelming me. Tears blurred my vision as I whispered, "Uncle, I found you."

He stared at me, frozen in place, as if time had stopped for him too. His face shifted through shock, disbelief, and then something deeper—recognition. Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice broke as he finally spoke. "Little boy... is it really you? Ryu Taesan?"

I nodded, fighting the lump in my throat. "It's me, Uncle. I never thought I'd find you again."

He looked around the bustling restaurant, his emotions barely contained. We both knew this wasn't the place for the reunion we needed. He placed a shaky hand on my shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll talk later, after you finish your school trip. I'm still on duty right now."

I could barely hold back the flood of feelings as I replied, "Yes, but... I don't want to lose you again. Can you give me your number?"

He scribbled it quickly on a napkin, his hands trembling as he handed it over. "Bring Dohyun too, when we meet. I'd love to see him."

I nodded, trying to smile through the tears that kept falling. "I will, Uncle."

Our eyes locked for a moment, a silent promise passing between us—words we couldn't speak yet, emotions too tangled to unravel here. As we returned to our groups, my heart felt lighter, filled with a new hope that I hadn't felt in years.

After came back to my mates, Zixuan asked me,

"Did you know him?"

"Yes."

I knew that if I replied "no," he would bombard me with more questions. So, when I answered "yes," he let it go without pressing further. We shifted back to our work, diving into the tasks at hand. As I worked, I took off my glasses and put on contact lenses; wearing glasses all the time felt like such a burden. In the middle of our work, Zixuan noticed my struggle and stepped in to help me adjust the lenses. His touch was gentle and precise, and he remarked,

"It's been a while since I helped someone with their contact lenses."

I smiled, appreciating his help. "You're good at it."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Do you know why I'm good at this?"

"Why?" I asked, curious.

"I used to be a trainee."

That piqued my interest. "Which company?"

"Poll Entertainment," he replied casually.

The name hit me like a shockwave. Poll Entertainment—where Jia Noona and Yoon Soobin had been artists. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my chest tighten. Zixuan's expression softened, and he gave me a knowing look, as if he expected my reaction.

"Are you shocked?" he asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

For a moment, I couldn't find the words. Before I could respond, he continued, his voice turning serious.

"Taesan, I had to give up on that dream because of my heart condition."

A wave of sympathy washed over me. "I'm sorry to hear that, Zixuan."

He shrugged, trying to brush it off, but there was a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "It's okay. It's been a long time since I gave up, and I've learned to find joy in other things. Life doesn't end with a failed dream, you know... Anyway, let's get back to work. We can't waste time."

We nodded and dove back into our tasks, trying to focus. But then my phone rang, and I saw Dohyun's name flash across the screen. As soon as I answered, his voice came through, frantic and filled with panic.

"Sera got hit by a car. Can you please come right away? We're at the nearby hospital. I'll send you the address."

My mind went blank, panic surging through me like a wave. Without a second thought, I bolted up, my hands shaking as I gathered my things. Jiwon and Zixuan noticed my distress and decided to come with me without even needing to ask why.

We rushed to the hospital, the journey feeling like a blur. When we arrived, Dohyun was there, his face pale with worry. As soon as he saw us, he approached quickly, his words tumbling out.

"She's sleeping now. She almost got killed, but the field saved her. The car hit her, but she got thrown towards the field instead of the road. The car overtook from the wrong side."

Zixuan, who had been listening intently, muttered under his breath, his brows furrowed with suspicion. "It's not an accident."

I turned to him, confused. "What did you say?"

He looked me in the eye, determination flashing in his gaze. "Let's go to the police station. I have a feeling there's more to this than meets the eye."

I didn't want to waste time either, but before leaving, I glanced at Sera through the glass window of her room. She lay there, in a deep sleep, looking fragile and vulnerable. I swallowed the knot of worry in my throat and nodded to Zixuan and Dohyun. Together, we left for the police station, hoping to find some answers.

At the station, we filed a report and accompanied one of the officers to the nearby CCTV control room. We held our breath as the footage played, scanning the scene frame by frame. And then, there it was—the car with the license plate number 0059. It sped into view, taking the wrong side of the road before hitting Sera.

Seeing it with my own eyes, a chill ran down my spine. This was no ordinary accident.

The police worked swiftly, analyzing the footage and tracking down the car's license plate number. Within hours, they managed to identify the registered owner of the vehicle. The moment they found him, they brought him into custody, handcuffs clinking as he was led into the interrogation room.

Dohyun, Zixuan, and I waited anxiously outside the room, pacing back and forth in the cold, sterile hallway of the police station. My mind was racing, thoughts swirling like a storm. We were so sure this was the breakthrough we needed. But when the officers emerged, their expressions were as tense as ours, holding more questions than answers.

The driver, a man in his late forties with a haggard face, pleaded his case, his voice wavering with desperation.

"You have to believe me! My car was stolen two days ago! I had nothing to do with this!" he insisted, his hands shaking slightly as he clutched a document—a report he had filed about his missing vehicle.

I couldn't contain my frustration and blurted out, "If your car was stolen, then why didn't you find it sooner? Why did it show up here, in this state?"

The man's eyes filled with a strange mix of fear and urgency. "I've been searching for it ever since! I even filed a report. I have proof that it was taken—look, I have footage from my home's CCTV camera!"

We stared at him, skeptical and doubtful. It seemed too convenient—a stolen car, conveniently linked to a tragic accident. But the police officers, sensing the weight of his desperation, decided to review the evidence he was presenting.

They played the footage from his home's CCTV system, showing the scene outside his house two nights before the accident. The grainy video played out on the screen, and there it was—his car, parked in front of his driveway.

Suddenly, two shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, their faces obscured by hoodies. They moved quickly, working together to break into the car. Within minutes, they had hotwired the vehicle and driven off into the night. The car's owner stood beside us, his eyes wide with distress, pointing at the screen.

"There! You see? They took my car! I didn't even know where they went with it. I've been looking everywhere, and... and then this happened!"

The police officers exchanged uncertain glances, clearly caught off guard. Zixuan, who had been standing silently beside me, finally spoke, his voice cold and measured.

"It looks like he's telling the truth."

Dohyun clenched his fists, a frown deepening on his face. "So, you're saying that whoever hit Sera... they weren't the actual owner of the car?"

Zixuan nodded slowly, his expression growing darker. "It means someone out there deliberately stole this car and used it to hit Sera. But why? Who would go to such lengths?"

I felt a shiver run down my spine. This new revelation shifted everything. What we thought was a careless hit-and-run now felt more sinister, calculated. My mind reeled, trying to grasp the implications. If the car was stolen, then someone had planned this. It wasn't just a random accident—it was intentional. But why target Sera?

The driver, now released from his cuffs, slumped against the wall, tears of relief welling up in his eyes as he realized the police were no longer considering him a suspect. But his relief only heightened my dread. If he wasn't the culprit, then who was? And what did they want with Sera?

Dohyun placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression grim. "We need to find out who those two men are, Taesan. We need to know why they went after Sera. This isn't over yet."

I nodded, my mind already racing with questions. But beneath all that anxiety, one thing was clear—this was no accident. And I couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows lurking in that footage held the key to a much darker secret.

As we were standing in the police station, trying to process everything we had just learned, my phone rang, shattering the tense silence. I glanced at the screen and saw Yujin's name flashing. My heart skipped a beat. I hurriedly answered, my voice tight with anxiety.

"Yujin, what's going on?" I asked, trying to keep the panic out of my tone.

"Taesan, Sera just woke up," Yujin said, his voice breathless with relief. "She's asking about you. The doctor said she's stable, and we can take her home soon."

The words hit me like a wave, washing away some of the fear that had settled deep in my chest. Without wasting a second, I turned to Dohyun and Zixuan, my voice trembling with urgency. "Sera's awake. We have to go. Now."

We didn't waste any time. Rushing out of the police station, we sped towards the hospital, the city lights blurring past us as Dohyun pushed the accelerator. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, fears, and questions. I kept thinking about how Sera must have felt, waking up in a cold, unfamiliar hospital room after everything that happened.

When we finally reached the hospital, we practically ran through the hallways, our footsteps echoing in the sterile silence. My heart pounded in my chest as we approached Sera's room. I caught a glimpse of her through the small window on the door. She was sitting up in bed, her face pale and bruised, but she was awake. Alive.

Yujin was by her side, and he quickly stepped out to meet us. "She's still weak, but she's conscious. The doctor said we can take her home, but she needs a lot of rest."

I nodded, feeling a knot of emotions tightening in my chest. Relief, guilt, and a surge of protectiveness washed over me. I pushed open the door gently, and Sera's eyes met mine. They were filled with a mix of exhaustion and confusion, but also a small glimmer of relief when she saw us.

"Hey," she whispered, her voice hoarse and fragile. "You came…"

I forced a smile, trying to hide the turmoil inside me. "How are you feeling?"

She tried to smile back but winced slightly, pressing a hand to her side. "I've been better."

Dohyun moved closer, his expression softening as he looked at her. "You scared us, Sera. But you're safe now, okay? We'll take care of you."

Sera nodded, and I could see tears welling up in her eyes. She blinked them away quickly, but the vulnerability in her expression broke my heart. I knew she was trying to be strong, but the weight of everything that had happened was clear in her eyes.

The doctor came in just then, holding a clipboard and giving us a reassuring nod. "She's stable enough to go home, but she'll need plenty of rest. Make sure she doesn't strain herself. It's going to take some time for her to fully recover."

I nodded quickly, taking in every word. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll take good care of her."

As we prepared to leave, Dohyun and Zixuan helped gather her things, while I stayed by her side, watching her carefully. Every small movement she made seemed fragile, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at whoever had put her in this state. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my emotions in check, but inside, I was burning with a need for answers.

We gently helped Sera into the wheelchair, and as we wheeled her out of the room, she looked up at me, her voice barely above a whisper. "Taesan, what happened? Why... why did this happen to me?"

I bit my lip, trying to find the right words to reassure her, but I couldn't lie to her. "We don't know everything yet, Sera, but I promise we'll find out. We're not going to let anything like this happen again."

Sera looked at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. Then she gave a small, shaky nod, and I saw a tear slip down her cheek. I reached out and gently wiped it away, my heart breaking at how much fear and pain she must have felt.

As we made our way out of the hospital, I caught Zixuan glancing back towards the building, his expression dark with determination. Dohyun, too, had a grim look on his face. We all knew that this was far from over. Whoever was behind this wasn't going to get away with it.

But for now, as I looked down at Sera's fragile form, leaning against me as we guided her towards the car, I knew that the most important thing was to keep her safe. I silently promised myself that I would protect her, no matter what it took. And even though the path ahead was uncertain and filled with shadows, I knew we would face it together.

After we carefully guided Sera into the backseat of the car, I could see the exhaustion on her face as she leaned against the seat. Her gaze fixed on me, filled with unspoken questions and lingering worry. I didn't want to meet her eyes—I couldn't, not when my mind was already racing with the next steps I needed to take.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to Zixuan, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil in my chest. "Zixuan, take care of her," I said, my words carrying a weight I hoped he understood. "I have to go somewhere."

Zixuan's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't question me. He nodded firmly, his expression determined. "Don't worry about her. I'll make sure she's safe," he replied, his grip tightening gently on Sera's shoulder to reassure her.

Dohyun, who had been standing beside me, glanced over with concern. "Where are you going?" he asked, his voice low and cautious, like he could sense the storm brewing inside me.

I took a moment, looking back at Sera. Her eyes still hadn't left me, a mixture of confusion and fear swirling in their depths. It was hard to see her like this—so vulnerable, so uncertain. I felt a pang in my chest but quickly pushed it down.

"You should come with me too, Dohyun," I said finally, my tone leaving little room for argument. I knew he would follow me, just like he always did when things got tough.

Dohyun studied my face for a moment, probably reading the determination that I couldn't quite hide. He didn't press me further, just gave a short nod. "Alright. Let's go," he said, his voice firm.

As I turned to leave, I caught one last glimpse of Sera from the window. She was still staring at me, and for a second, I saw a flicker of something—maybe hope, maybe fear, or maybe the same determination I felt. I forced myself to look away, knowing that if I hesitated now, I might lose my resolve.

Zixuan, still holding Sera gently, gave me a reassuring nod. "Go on, Taesan. We've got this here," he murmured, his voice filled with a quiet confidence that I clung to. It was as if he knew the weight of the decision I was making, even if he didn't know all the details.

I took a deep breath, then turned away, feeling the tension coil tighter inside me as I walked with Dohyun towards our car. The sky overhead seemed to grow darker, heavy with the promise of a storm, mirroring the turmoil I felt inside. I knew what I had to do, and I knew that it might open doors I wasn't ready to face. But for Sera, for the truth, I would do whatever it took.

. . .

Jung Jinyoung, My Maternal Uncle

His POV:

Since childhood, my older sister, Sooah Noona, always treated me with a coldness that cut deep. Ten years older than me, she was the golden child—beautiful, brilliant, and the center of our parents' universe. I couldn't help but feel invisible beside her. Mom and Dad always praised her achievements while I quietly struggled, my own grades lacking the shine they expected. The weight of their disappointment wrapped around me like a suffocating shroud, and as a child, I felt so alone in my struggles.

Our family ran EcoSphere Solutions, one of the largest techno-based companies in the country. They dreamed of collaborating with HoloVerse Innovations, a titan in the industry. It was an ambitious goal, but the road to get there was paved with obstacles. That was until Mom and Dad hatched a plan that would change everything—Sooah Noona was transferred to a new school, specifically to be near Ryu Jin Hyung, the son of HoloVerse's CEO. They thought she could charm him, and so they gathered every detail about his family, convinced that her beauty and brains would be enough to win him over.

Sooah Noona succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. She caught his eye, they became a couple, and eventually, they married. With their union, our companies began to collaborate, finally achieving the dream Mom and Dad had chased for so long. But as their dreams flourished, mine began to wilt. Noona's jealousy blossomed as she grew fearful of my bond with Ryu Jin Hyung. He had always been fond of me, and I could feel her anxiety radiating whenever he was around. She worried he might entrust me with responsibilities in the future—responsibilities she wanted solely for herself.

In the midst of all this, I fell deeply in love with a woman who couldn't see. My heart was willing to fight every battle for her, to face down anyone who stood in our way. But my family rejected her, claiming they would never accept a blind woman as part of our lives. Sooah Noona seized this moment of vulnerability. She turned the entire situation into a weapon against me, using my love to blackmail and manipulate. She concocted lies, painted me as the villain who stole her money, and despite my protests, even Ryu Jin Hyung fell for her deceit. The only person I had trusted—my best friend—turned against me, and in my darkest hour, I found myself utterly alone.

Disowned by my family, I was forced to leave the only home I had ever known. In my grief, I found solace in Mina, the woman who stood by me when I had nothing. We married and built a new life together. I opened a restaurant, a place where I could pour my heart into my cooking and create a space that felt like home. With each passing day, I discovered a happiness I never thought possible, a happiness far removed from the pain of my past.

Now, I refuse to look back. The shadows of my family's betrayal will not define me. I've forged my own path, and I'm determined to keep moving forward, away from the ghosts that once haunted me.

After hearing my uncle's words without asking any questions, a wave of guilt washed over me. I felt like I had been blind to the pain that surrounded me. The truth was so heavy, and I was unprepared for it. My mind raced with unanswered questions, but before I could voice them, Dohyun spoke up.

"Uncle, why didn't you try to contact us?" His voice was a mix of confusion and hurt, echoing my own feelings.

"I told you before, I didn't want to dig into the past," he replied, his tone firm yet pained. "You found me, and now you know the truth."

Dohyun took a deep breath, clearly struggling with the weight of this conversation. "Do you know that Jia Noona committed suicide?" His words hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating and thick.

"Yes, I know." My uncle's voice cracked slightly, revealing his vulnerability. "She was very fond of me. I felt so guilty that I couldn't do anything for her. It was all over Korea and even the international world—a K-pop idol gone too soon. She was so popular. But who do you blame for that? The case is still unsolved, isn't it?"

"Yoon Soobin. Her boyfriend," Dohyun shot back, anger bubbling just beneath the surface.

"You can't blame him," my uncle said, shaking his head slowly. "Because I know him."

"What?" I blurted out, my heart racing. It was as if a door had been opened, revealing shadows lurking just out of sight. My uncle hesitated, looking like he was grappling with whether to share more. With a heavy sigh, he continued, "Kids, you can't blame him without knowing the whole story."

"You know something, don't you?" Dohyun pressed, leaning in closer, desperate for answers. "You said you know him. Where is he? He has been missing for over a year since Noona passed away."

"Yes," my uncle replied, his expression darkening. "But he didn't disappear for no reason. He ran away from his idol career."

"Where is he?" I demanded, feeling a mix of fear and anticipation.

"With me," my uncle said, his words sending shockwaves through me.

What was my uncle saying? How did he meet Yoon Soobin? What was going on? I felt like I was piecing together a jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces. My mind whirled in confusion.

"How is that even possible? Can we meet him?" Dohyun asked, his voice laced with urgency.

"He doesn't come outside," my uncle replied, his gaze shifting uneasily. "So you'll have to come to my house."

The gravity of his words sunk in. This was not just a simple meeting; this was a confrontation with the past. My heart raced with anxiety and anticipation. Could we really face the man at the center of it all? Would he be able to shed light on the darkness surrounding Jia Noona's tragic end?

We arrived at my uncle's small house, tucked away on a quiet street. His wife answered the door, and the moment I saw her face, I was struck by how serene and gentle she looked. It was like she had the kindest face I'd ever seen, even though there was a deep sadness in her eyes. But then, as she reached out, I noticed the way her hand moved—cautiously, feeling for the doorframe. It hit me like a punch—she couldn't see. Yet despite that, she smiled warmly at us and said, her voice soft, "Your uncle has told me about you. Please, come in."

We stepped inside, and though their house was small, it felt cozy and welcoming. The space was carefully decorated with simple but thoughtful touches, like a place where warmth lived. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I noticed a tall figure in the kitchen, moving quietly. Instinctively, I knew it was Yoon Soobin. When he turned around, it seemed like he wanted to smile at us, but the expression never quite reached his face—it was more like a shadow of a smile, barely there.

We settled on the couch, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Dohyun glanced at me, a silent reminder to keep our composure, to act like this was just a normal visit. Yoon Soobin finally came over, sitting down across from us. My uncle, sensing the weight of the moment, cleared his throat and said gently, "You kids can talk. Your aunt and I will get dinner ready for everyone."

We all bowed slightly as they left the room, leaving us alone with Soobin. He looked nervous, his hands fidgeting slightly as he avoided eye contact. It was the first time I'd ever been so close to him—Jia Noona's boyfriend, the mysterious figure I'd only seen from a distance. I had never been close to my sister Jia, and I knew even less about Soobin, but now, sitting across from him, I could see why so many people had been drawn to him. He had an aura about him—handsome, with a quiet intensity that made you pay attention. No wonder he had so many fans.

I was about to speak, to break the silence hanging over us, but he beat me to it. "Taesan, right?" His voice was hesitant, like he was unsure if he should be speaking at all. Then he turned to Dohyun, adding, "I'm sorry… I don't know your name. May I ask, if you don't mind?"

"Yeo Dohyun," Dohyun replied, his voice steady, though I could feel the tension in it.

"Oh, I see. Uncle mentioned your name. He said you two are best friends."

Dohyun nodded, then said with a small, respectful bow, "Since you're older than us, we'd like to address you as Hyung. Is that okay with you?"

Soobin's lips twitched, as if a real smile might break through, but then it vanished. "Sure. I would like that," he replied softly.

But there was no joy in his voice. He was like a shadow of the man he must have once been.

And I still remembered the day, so I needed to know the truth. Because... I still couldn't forgive myself, either. I was the last person Jia Noona called before she… before she left this world. My phone wasn't on silent, but I was outside that day, and it was raining so hard. I couldn't hear my phone ring because of the downpour. I keep thinking, if I had just heard it, if I had just picked up in time, maybe… maybe I could have saved her.

A heavy silence filled the room. Soobin's eyes, filled with unshed tears, met mine. His voice cracked as he began, "Taesan, before I tell you everything, you need to promise me something. Promise me you'll find the real person behind this. Because I didn't kill her. I didn't kill the woman I loved. Jia was my first love... my only love."

I held my breath, the weight of his plea pressing down on me like a storm. But I nodded, my voice unwavering as I replied, "I promise."

"I was a trainee at Poll Entertainment for two years, then debuted in 2010 with the group BOND ONE. From the moment we stepped onto the stage, our group became a global sensation. I was the youngest, just 15 years old, while the other eight members were older. They were like protective older brothers, always watching out for me, and I'm still grateful for that.

I remember it so clearly, like it was yesterday—our second debut anniversary. The whole group was at the company, celebrating. And that was when I saw Ryu Jia for the first time. She had just started her trainee journey then. She caught my eye immediately, and I asked my manager who she was. He told me, 'She's the best dancer and rapper among the trainees.' I was drawn to her right then, but being an idol, I knew how impossible it was to show those feelings. So I kept everything to myself, hidden behind a polite smile.

Our practice rooms were on the seventh floor, and hers was on the sixth. One day, I saw her in the elevator, carrying something heavy in her hands. I already knew which floor she was heading to, but I still asked, 'Which floor are you going to?' She glanced up, a little surprised, and replied, 'Sixth, thank you, Sunbaenim.' She bowed politely when the elevator stopped on her floor, and before she stepped out, she turned back and thanked me again. I smiled and said, 'I hope we meet again.' She smiled back, and I couldn't forget that moment.

Later, my high school friend, Shin Yejoon, mentioned Jia to me. He told me their families were close, and that I should meet her. I didn't tell him I already knew her. It became a habit for me to go up to the rooftop of the company, and sometimes, I would find Jia there. One day, I saw her crying alone. I approached her, asking what was wrong. She confessed that one of the senior trainees had scolded her for messing up the choreography. I tried to encourage her, reminding her how talented she was. After a while, I asked if I could have her number. She looked shocked—how could a K-pop idol be asking for the number of a trainee? But she gave it to me.

We started chatting more, becoming closer bit by bit. Eventually, we met at a small café, even though we had to wear hoodies, caps, and masks to stay hidden from the paparazzi. But my fans still recognized me, and soon, the media was buzzing with rumors that I was dating a trainee. The press didn't know who she was, but my company did. They summoned me and demanded that I write a public apology, or they would fire Jia. I didn't want to, but they left me no choice. I had to lie, claiming that it wasn't a trainee but my cousin. Thankfully, the media never saw her face, so the secret stayed safe. We grew even closer after that, and she started calling me 'Oppa.'

In 2013, Jia debuted with her group, LOVE BIRDS. She became popular quickly, and she soon realized that I had feelings for her. By then, she liked me too. In 2018, I finally gathered the courage to propose to her, and when she accepted, I felt like I was the luckiest person in the world. We were happy together, but not for long.

The paparazzi caught us again, this time with undeniable photos and videos. The company couldn't cover it up anymore, and they released an official statement confirming our relationship. But the public turned against Jia. She received so much hate, and it tore me apart to see her suffering. I tried to protect her—I even filed a report at the police station—but nothing stopped the hatred.

I asked her what she wanted to do, ready to follow whatever she decided. She refused to break up, saying she didn't want to lose me. For a while, it seemed like things were getting better. We used our popularity to release a duet album, and people began to accept us. But in 2020, everything fell apart again when a rumor spread that Jia had kissed another guy. Photos flooded the internet, showing a woman who looked just like her at a bar. I confronted her, desperate for an explanation. Jia swore that it wasn't her, that she had never even been to that bar. But the so-called proof was everywhere, and I couldn't bring myself to believe her.

I told her I needed some time, that I wanted a break. And in those days of silence, I discovered the truth—those photos were fake. It was someone who looked like Jia, cosplaying as her at the bar. Regret hit me like a wave, and I called her over and over, but she didn't answer. I reached out to Yejoon, hoping he could find her, but even he couldn't help. She went on a hiatus, disappearing from the public eye.

Then, in 2021, the news broke—Jia had taken her own life. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't forgive myself for not being there when she needed me the most. She left a diary, writing that love was too painful for her to bear. But there was something strange about her last note. It was in English, but Jia was never good at English. I used to teach her pronunciation and spelling for her song lyrics. It didn't feel like something she would write. The note blamed me, and the police began to suspect me.

Just when everything seemed hopeless, my old mentor called—Min San, the person who first inspired me to become an idol. He was my first music teacher, the one who would sing to me in his shop. He told me to come to a safe place. But when I arrived, I realized where he had brought me—it was Jia's maternal uncle's house. And Min San was the father-in-law of Jia's uncle. It felt like a safe place, but it was also filled with memories of Jia.

Now, I'm hiding here, but I know deep down that Jia didn't kill herself. It was too out of character for her to keep things hidden from me, even if they were painful. She always shared everything with me. I can't understand what really happened, or why she did it. The police, my company—they're all looking for me, and I can feel that someone is behind all of this, pulling the strings."

After sharing everything, he stood up, looking directly at us with a pained expression.

"I know you've all heard bits of this through social media, and I'm sure many of you thought I was to blame—that because of me, she took her own life. But now, after hearing the whole story from me in person, I hope you'll reconsider."

A heavy silence filled the room until I finally spoke. "Do you have any idea who might be behind this?"

He shook his head slowly. "No. But we can try to find out. Taesan, you should go to your sister's apartment. Maybe there's something left there that can give us a clue. She spent her last days there."

Dohyun leaned forward, his voice low and serious. "Sometimes, the ones closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most, in ways we never see coming."

"What do you mean?" Soobin hyung asked, narrowing his eyes.

Dohyun didn't flinch. "Did you ever share your feelings for Jia with anyone?"

He hesitated before answering, "Yes."

"To whom?" Dohyun pressed.

"To Yejoon."

Dohyun's eyes darted to the table, where a mug sat with a blue bird design on it. "You know, Taesan met Yejoon a few days ago. He saw that same blue bird design on Yejoon's laptop cover…"

"He could just have it," Soobin said, trying to sound casual. "Jia was close to him."

Dohyun nodded slowly but kept his gaze fixed on the mug. "Maybe. But why would he have something like that? Yejoon told Taesan that Jia gave it to him, but it's strange. Girls don't usually give personal things to just any guy—they give those to someone special."

Soobin hyung's face hardened. "Yejoon is my best friend. He's known Jia since they were kids. You're reading too much into this, Dohyun."

My mind was spinning, caught between what Dohyun implied and Soobin's loyalty to Yejoon. So I said, "But do you know? Yejoon was the one who told me you killed her. And now you're defending him."

Soobin looked stunned, taken aback by my words.

Before things could escalate further, I tried to bring the focus back. "Before we start pointing fingers, we need to go to Jia Noona's apartment. But it's been locked for a year. I'll need help from Jongkook-nim."

"Who's that?" Soobin hyung asked, confused.

"He's a family friend, our company's manager."

Soobin's expression shifted, and he looked directly at me. "Why do you need help when you own the company? You can access your sister's apartment whenever you want."

Before I could respond, Dohyun's voice broke in, his tone cutting. "His mom abandoned him…"

"What?" Soobin hyung's face showed genuine shock and confusion.

Dohyun turned to me, a knowing look in his eyes. "Uncle Jinyoung can fill you in later. But Soobin hyung's right—you shouldn't need permission for this."

His words struck me like a revelation. I nodded slowly, feeling a newfound determination settling in. "You're right, hyung. Thanks. I know what I need to do now."

"Taesan, I need a favor." Soobin hyung said.

"I have a sister. I want to meet her. I want to know how she is."

"What's her name? Where does she live?"

"Yoon Sera. She lives in Seoul."