The bitter taste of black coffee stayed on Sunghoon's tongue long after the warmth had faded.
He sat in silence near the window of the quiet café, watching Seoul move. Cars passed. People laughed outside. A group of students rushed past in uniforms. The world didn't stop — even when everything inside him had.
His fingers rested around the paper cup, eyes blank, but his mind was loud.
Yuna.
Her smile. Her voice. The way she used to sit on the counter just to bother him while he made coffee at home. Gone now. Stolen from him.
And someone had to pay.
He finished the drink slowly, stood up, and dropped cash at the counter.
The girl at the register barely had time to thank him. He was already out the door, coat sweeping behind him.
He pulled out his phone. "Minjun. Bring the car."
"Yes, sir."
Ten minutes later, the black SUV pulled up.
Minjun stepped out, ready to open the door, but Sunghoon raised a hand.
"You go," he said coldly.
"Sir?"
"I'll drive. Go to the apartment. Buy groceries, clean the place. Stay there until I call."
Minjun nodded, no questions asked, and handed over the keys.
Sunghoon got in, started the engine, and punched in the destination.
(Library.)
He didn't need to see Hana today. He just wanted to see the space she moved in.
Where she read. Where she sat.
Where she let her guard down.
He already had her entire routine .
But knowing and seeing were two different things.
He parked outside the library, stepped out, and walked through the tall glass doors without a word.
Heads turned.
Students whispered behind their books. He wasn't trying to stand out — he just did.
Tall. Cold. Black coat. That look in his eyes like he didn't belong here — and didn't care.
He scanned the space quietly, ran his fingers along a shelf, and picked out a random book.
Then he found a seat in the corner
He sat down, opened the book, and stared at the pages without reading a word.
He didn't wait for long.
Just enough to feel the weight of the place.
Then he closed the book, stood up, and left quietly.
(At the same time, across campus…)
Daejun had his eyes on her.
From the moment Hana stepped out that morning, he was watching. From a distance. Hoodie up, clean look — nothing suspicious. Just another student in the crowd.
She moved like she had no fear in her world. Calm, headphones in, walking toward campus with her bag slipping slightly off her shoulder.
He saw it — the zipper at the back was half open.
That was his moment.
He picked up his pace.
"Hey—" he called out casually, "your bag's open."
She stopped, surprised.
Her hand reached back. She looked at the zipper, then at him.
"Oh," she said. "Thanks."
"No problem," he replied with a small grin. "Didn't want you dropping something."
Hana nodded politely and walked off.
That was it. One second. One smile. No suspicion.
But not enough.
He watched her disappear into the university gates.
Sunghoon had given him one week. Seven days to get close to her — earn her trust. Charm her. Break her if needed.
And one short moment wasn't going to cut it.
Thinking fast, Daejun changed direction and headed toward the main building.
Inside the head office, he walked up to the receptionist and leaned slightly over the counter.
"I'm here to ask about a teaching opportunity," he said smoothly. "Trial, part-time — whatever's available."
The woman looked him over. "We're short on one position this semester. But we're only hiring after a trial week. You'd be observed for class performance, teaching style, and how the students respond."
Daejun nodded. "I'll take it."
"You start tomorrow. Morning class. Sign here."
He signed.
This wasn't just a job now — it was his only way in.
Back at the library, Sunghoon stood outside again, staring at the glass doors.
His phone buzzed — a message from Daejun.
She's safe. First contact made. I'm in. Starting tomorrow.
Sunghoon gave a small, cold smirk.
"Good," he muttered under his breath.
The trap had been placed.
And the clock had started ticking.
(after sometime)
Sunghoon stepped back into his apartment, the door clicking shut behind him. The air inside felt still, calm — too calm. He loosened his coat and looked around.
Minjun was already in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, stirring something on the stove.
"You bought the groceries?" Sunghoon asked, placing his phone and wallet on the counter.
"Yes, sir," Minjun replied without looking up. "I'm making white cheese pasta for lunch."
Sunghoon gave a small nod. "Okay."
Without saying more, he disappeared down the hallway and into his room. The door closed with a soft click.
He stood under the hot shower minutes later, eyes closed, letting the water run down his face and shoulders. It didn't wash anything away — not the pressure, not the memories, not the weight on his chest.
After getting dressed in a black casual shirt and pants, he picked up his phone from the bed and dialed.
"Hello, Dad?"
"Sunghoon," came Mr. Kim's warm but tired voice. "How are you, son?"
"I'm fine," he said softly. "Just finished a few things."
"Did you eat? Your mother's been worried. She asked me to check in again."
"I'm about to," Sunghoon replied.
There was a pause. Then Mr. Kim said, "If you need anything… don't hesitate, okay? We're here."
Sunghoon hesitated.
"Dad… where's Yuna's nanny?" His voice was calm, but his eyes had turned sharp.
"Nanny Choi?" Mr. Kim sounded surprised. "She said she needed to go back to her home. Her husband's health isn't doing well."
Sunghoon's jaw clenched slightly. So they weren't aware she'd been gone right after the funeral.
He didn't let anything slip into his voice.
"I see," he said quietly. "Tell Mom I'll visit soon."
"I will. Take care of yourself, son."
"You too."
He ended the call and stared at the phone for a moment. Something felt off. But now wasn't the time
Not long after, the doorbell rang.
Daejun entered the apartment, looking sharp but casual, the tension of the day still in his body.
"Boss," he greeted with a slight bow before stepping inside.
Sunghoon was seated on the edge of the couch in the TV room, a glass of water in his hand.
Daejun joined him, settling into the seat across.
"Well?" Sunghoon asked, eyes locked on him.
Daejun leaned forward slightly. "I followed her all morning. She's sharp but not suspicious. I approached her once — helped her with her open bag. She didn't react much. Just thanked me and walked on."
"Mm."
"She didn't give me a second glance. So I went to the university head office," Daejun continued. "Told them I wanted to apply as a teacher. They said they're testing new applicants for a week. I accepted."
Sunghoon's gaze sharpened.
"I'll start tomorrow. Morning class. I'll get closer during the week. Just like you ordered."
A slow nod from Sunghoon.
"You have six days now," he said flatly.
Daejun didn't flinch. "I'll handle it."