Hana's chest tightened as Yuri stepped out from the tree line, phone in hand. Her smile wasn't the playful, teasing kind she'd seen before—it was cold, calculated, almost predatory.
Min-jae instinctively stepped in front of Hana. "What do you want, Yuri?" His voice was calm, but there was steel behind it.
Yuri tilted her head, eyes glinting. "I just… wanted to make sure you didn't forget me."
Hana's hands clenched at her sides. "Why are you still following us? Haven't you caused enough?"
Yuri's laugh was soft but chilling. "Enough? Oh, Hana… I don't think you understand. This isn't just about the video anymore. It's about who he chooses. And I don't plan on losing."
Min-jae's jaw tightened. "Back off. Now."
Yuri's gaze flicked toward him, then back at Hana. "You think you're untouchable just because you stood up? Just because people 'know the truth'? That doesn't matter."
Hana swallowed hard. "We're not afraid of you."
Yuri's smile widened. "You will be. Soon enough."
Before either Hana or Min-jae could react, she backed into the shadows of the trees and disappeared, leaving behind only the echo of her laughter.
Hana exhaled shakily. "She's… she's not done, is she?"
Min-jae shook his head slowly. "No. And we need to be ready. She's dangerous—not because she's strong, but because she's clever. She'll try to break us from the inside."
Hana's heart raced. "What do we do?"
"We stick together," Min-jae said firmly, taking her hand. "No more secrets. No more silence. Whatever comes, we face it together."
Hana nodded, gripping his hand tighter. "Together."
The sun was sinking lower now, shadows stretching across the park. And even though Yuri had vanished, her presence lingered—like a storm waiting to strike.
Hana and Min-jae walked back slowly, each step heavier than the last. They knew this wasn't over. Not even close.
And somewhere in the distance, behind the trees and under the fading light, a phone buzzed.
A new message.
From an unknown number.
You think you're safe? Think again.
Hana froze. Min-jae's grip on her hand tightened.
They exchanged a glance—silent understanding passing between them. Whatever was coming next, they'd face it together.
But the warning was clear: the peace they had fought for, the calm they'd finally found, was only temporary.