Chapter 21: Ryu Taesan

It had been a long time since I last went for a morning jog. I missed the feeling of fresh air filling my lungs, the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the pavement, the peaceful solitude before the city fully woke up. It was 6 AM, and Jihyo was still sleeping. Without putting on a hoodie, I stepped outside, feeling the crisp morning breeze against my skin.

I jogged for about 30 to 40 minutes before making my way to a nearby park, one I used to visit occasionally. The park was already lively, filled with older people jogging and stretching. I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures, capturing the golden hues of the sunrise peeking through the trees.

Just then, a notification popped up—a message from my uncle, Jinyoung. He was checking up on me. I smiled faintly. He woke up early today. Without hesitation, I called him.

"Samchon…"

"Taesan-ah… I just wanted to check up on you. How are you doing? You're up so early today."

"Yes. I decided to jog after a long time. I'm doing fine. How about you?"

"I'm fine too. Can your aunt and I visit in a few days? She wants to cook something for you and Jihyo."

I chuckled softly. "Why are you even asking, Samchon? You can come anytime. Jihyo will be really happy to see you."

"Alright then. I'll let you know the date."

"Okay. Take care, Samchon."

"You too, Taesan-ah."

After hanging up, I sighed, feeling a little lighter. But just as I was about to put my phone away, I noticed something—or rather, someone.

A small figure sat at the far end of my bench, watching me with an enigmatic smile.

I froze.

It was her.

The same little girl from the park on my university orientation day. The mysterious girl who, with just a few words, had led me to Jia Noona's favorite bluebird.

She tilted her head, her dark eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.

"We meet again," she said softly.

A shiver ran down my spine. "What… what are you doing here this early?"

"I always stay here."

I frowned. "Huh?"

She giggled. "Nothing. You look upset."

"Do I?"

"Yes. And I know why."

I stiffened. "Oh yeah? Then tell me."

She leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle yet eerily perceptive. "You're confused. You want to do better for someone. You want to protect someone. But in the end, you're hurting that person instead. Don't do that. It's my advice."

My breath hitched. "How… how do you know?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she hopped off the bench, standing directly in front of me. She was small—barely reaching my waist—but her presence was overpowering.

"You will face something more violent, Ryu Taesan," she whispered, her tone serious now. "Be calm when you make your decisions. And don't hurt her. You don't even realize how much you like her."

My heart pounded.

"Who are you—"

I reached out to hold her hand.

And felt nothing.

My fingers met thin air.

I stared, wide-eyed. She was smiling.

Then, just like that, she started to fade. Her voice, barely above a whisper, lingered in the air.

"Don't look for me. I'll come when I can."

"Wait! Listen to me—"

But she was gone.

I sat frozen on the bench, my mind racing. When I finally looked around, I realized people were staring at me as if I had lost my mind. Embarrassed, I quickly left the park and ran back to my apartment.

By the time I got home, my face was still restless with unanswered questions. Jihyo was already awake. She looked up from the couch, raising a brow.

"Where did you go, Oppa?"

"Out for a jog."

"You could have woken me up. I would've joined you."

I forced a smile. "Next time. Come help me with breakfast. Bring the fruits to the kitchen."

As we prepared our meal together, she casually asked, "Do you have morning classes today?"

"Yeah. But I'll be taking you to school today. Your manager is sick."

"Oh. Okay."

After breakfast, we left together. It was my first time taking her to school, and as soon as we stepped out of the car, I felt eyes on us. Jihyo sighed dramatically.

"I knew this would happen," she muttered.

"What?"

"You should've covered your face better. It's bad luck having a handsome brother." She pouted. "The mask isn't enough to hide your visuals. Your eyes alone make people swoon, Oppa. If only I had an ugly brother, my life would be easier."

I flicked her forehead playfully. "Stop talking nonsense. Go to class. And call my office driver when you're done, okay?"

"Okay, Sir."

She grinned as I patted her head—something she secretly loved. Then she ran off to her friends, who were already whispering and pointing in my direction.

I sighed and got back in the car, opening my laptop to get some work done. But no matter how much I tried to concentrate, my mind kept drifting back to her.

The girl in the park.

Her words.

You don't even realize how much you like her.

—

When I arrived at university, Eunyeong was waiting outside my class. The moment she saw me, she rushed over.

"Can we talk?"

I exhaled. "I don't think so."

"Why?"

"I have classes."

Before I could walk past her, she grabbed my hand.

Students turned to stare. I stiffened.

"Please, just a few minutes after class," she pleaded.

Before I could respond, my eyes caught movement.

Sera.

She had just entered the hallway. Her gaze met mine briefly before flickering down to where Eunyeong's hand held mine.

Her face darkened. She turned and walked into the classroom without another glance.

A sudden pang of guilt hit me.

I yanked my hand away from Eunyeong. My voice dropped. "Don't waste your time on me. Stop coming to me. It won't work."

I left her standing alone and entered the classroom.

Sera was sitting beside Zixuan. She was smiling—at him.

I clenched my jaw.

She had never smiled at me like that in two days but it seemed like not in a long time.

She must have sensed my presence because the moment our eyes met, her smile disappeared. She turned away, ignoring me completely.

I sat down in front of them, and that's when I heard their conversation.

Zixuan: "Let's go somewhere today, Sera."

Sera: "Where?"

Zixuan: "A new coffee shop opened nearby."

Sera: "Alright. After my cooking class then."

Zixuan: "Call me when you're done."

My hands curled into fists.

I shouldn't feel this way.

I was the one who pushed her away.

But hearing her agree so easily—watching her slip away—it hurt.

And yet, all I could do was sit there in silence, my heart warring between the desire to protect her… and the fear of losing her forever.

The rooftop was silent, except for the sound of the wind rushing past me. I sat on the cold concrete floor, my back resting against the railing, knees drawn up as I stared at the vast sky above. Clouds drifted aimlessly, much like my own thoughts—scattered, directionless.

I hadn't eaten all day. It didn't matter. My stomach was empty, but the weight in my chest was enough to keep me from feeling anything else.

Sera's laughter replayed in my mind, her smile, the way she looked at Zixuan. That brightness, that warmth—it used to be mine. Or at least, I thought it was. Now, it belonged to someone else.

I let out a slow breath, rubbing a hand over my face.

Wasn't this what I wanted?

I pushed her away. I built the distance between us. I told myself it was for the best, that keeping her away from me would protect her. But then… why did it feel like I was the one who needed saving?

The wind howled softly, carrying the distant sounds of the university below—students chatting, laughing, living their lives. I felt detached from it all, like I was floating in a space no one could reach.

My fingers curled into fists.

It was stupid. I was stupid.

I should've just gone to class, pretended like everything was fine. But instead, I was here, sitting alone on the rooftop, trying to fight off a pain I had no right to feel.

I leaned my head back against the railing, closing my eyes.

The ache in my chest deepened. It wasn't just about Sera. It was everything. The weight of responsibilities, the expectations, the fear of making the wrong choices. The mysterious girl's words echoed in my head.

"You don't know how much you like her."

I clenched my jaw.

I knew.

I just didn't know what to do about it.