[POV. Naina]
The last thing I expected that night was to see him again.
Not in this place. Not after everything.
The event was one of the biggest of the year—an exclusive charity gala attended by Korea's biggest celebrities, influencers, and socialites. I wasn't here as a guest, of course. My university had partnered with the event organizers, and as a student volunteer, my job was simple—assist the guests, manage the schedule, and most importantly, avoid drawing attention to myself.
And it had been working perfectly. Until now.
Because across the grand ballroom, under the dazzling glow of crystal chandeliers, stood him.
Kilin Hwang.
My breath caught in my throat.
Even in a crowd of Korea's elite, he stood out effortlessly. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his sharp features illuminated by the golden light, he looked every bit the superstar he was. His hair was styled perfectly, but a few strands had fallen over his forehead, just the way I remembered.
I should look away. I should turn around and disappear into the crowd before—
His eyes found mine.
A spark of recognition flashed across his face, and for a second, everything around me blurred.
Kilin: Naina?
My pulse quickened. It was the first time I had heard his voice in months. The same voice that once filled my nights with laughter, warmth, and whispered secrets.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
Kilin took a step closer, but before he could reach me, someone called his name. A reporter. Then another. Soon, he was surrounded by flashing cameras and microphones.
I used the distraction to slip away.
I wasn't ready for this.
Not yet.
---
[POV. Kilin]
She was here.
Of all the places, of all the events, she was here.
And before I could reach her, she was gone.
I clenched my jaw, barely paying attention to the questions being thrown at me. The cameras, the reporters—none of it mattered in that moment. The only thing that mattered was her.
As soon as the press finished, I scanned the room, searching for the familiar figure I had been trying to erase from my mind for months.
My heart pounded as I finally spotted her near the back of the ballroom, pretending to be occupied with some papers.
I took a deep breath and made my way towards her.
Kilin: Naina.
She froze, gripping the clipboard in her hands. Slowly, she turned around, and when our eyes met again, I saw the hesitation, the walls she had built up.
Naina: Kilin. You should get back to your event.
Her voice was calm, distant.
Kilin: I will. After we talk.
Naina: There's nothing to talk about.
She turned to walk away, but I reached out, gently grabbing her wrist.
Kilin: Please, Naina. Just five minutes.
She hesitated, glancing around nervously. I could see the inner battle in her eyes—part of her wanting to run, the other part wanting to stay.
Finally, with a sigh, she nodded.
Naina: Five minutes.
---
[POV. Naina]
We stepped onto the balcony, away from the crowd. The cold night air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the ballroom, and I wrapped my arms around myself.
Kilin: You're avoiding me.
Naina: I have a life, Kilin. One that doesn't revolve around you.
I regretted the sharpness in my voice as soon as I said it, but I didn't take it back. I couldn't afford to be soft. Not now.
Kilin ran a hand through his hair, sighing.
Kilin: I know I hurt you. But do you really think I wanted any of this?
Naina: You still chose your career over me.
Kilin: I didn't have a choice!
His sudden outburst startled me. I turned to face him, surprised to see frustration—and something else—written all over his face.
Kilin: You think I wanted to cut you off? That I wanted to let you go? The agency didn't just ask me to stay away from you, Naina. They forced me.
My chest tightened.
Naina: And you let them.
Kilin: What was I supposed to do?!
His voice cracked, raw with emotion.
Kilin: I wanted to fight for you. But if I did, they would've destroyed your life, Naina. They would've made you a villain in the eyes of the public. I couldn't do that to you.
I felt my walls start to shake.
Naina: You could have at least told me the truth.
Kilin: I know.
He exhaled sharply, stepping closer.
Kilin: And I regret it. Every damn day.
His voice softened.
Kilin: You don't have to forgive me. But at least, don't pretend I didn't love you.
My heart stopped.
Naina: …What?
Kilin's eyes locked onto mine, unwavering.
Kilin: I loved you, Naina.
My breath hitched. The words I had once longed to hear—now they felt like a cruel joke.
Naina: That doesn't change anything.
Kilin: Doesn't it?
He stepped even closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kilin: Tell me you don't feel anything anymore. Look me in the eyes and tell me.
I opened my mouth. The words were right there.
But they wouldn't come out.
Because no matter how much I tried to convince myself, no matter how much time had passed, the truth remained.
I still loved him.
And that terrified me.
Instead of answering, I turned away.
Naina: I should go.
Kilin: Naina—
Naina: Goodbye, Kilin.
I didn't look back as I walked away.
Because if I did, I knew I wouldn't be able to leave.
---
[POV. Kilin]
I watched her disappear into the crowd, my hands clenched into fists.
I had finally seen her again. Finally told her the truth.
But it wasn't enough.
She was still slipping away from me.
And I didn't know how to stop it.
---