Yuna sat on her bed later that evening, scrolling through social media, her heart racing with excitement. The plan had worked better than she could've imagined. Everywhere she looked, fans were talking about the "airport incident." Photos and videos of Yeseo helping her up had gone viral, and the internet was flooded with comments praising Yeseo's kindness.
"Yeseo is an angel! She helped that poor girl without hesitation!"
"Did you see how caring Yeseo was? Lumin is full of genuine people."
"That girl is so lucky! I wish I could meet Yeseo like that!"
Yuna smirked as she read the comments. It was almost too easy. By creating the accident and playing the part of the grateful fan, she'd not only gained Yeseo's sympathy, but now the entire fanbase was buzzing about her. She was the "lucky fan," the one Yeseo had personally helped, and that attention was exactly what she had been aiming for.
But while everyone else saw her as lucky, Yuna knew better. This wasn't luck—it was strategy. Every move she made was carefully calculated. The more attention she garnered, the closer she got to her ultimate goal: Kairo. The internet's explosion of sympathy and admiration for Yeseo had worked in her favor. She had become part of the narrative, subtly weaving herself into the public eye, knowing full well that she was playing a long game.
Now, all she had to do was wait. With Yeseo's act of kindness fresh in everyone's mind, Yuna was sure she would be remembered. The next time she crossed paths with Yeseo or anyone connected to Lumin, she'd already have an in. And from there, her path to Kairo would be clearer than ever.
While she thought about everything she couldn't help but laugh until she was interrupted by a ringing phone.
Yuna's phone lit up with Jihun's name. She rolled her eyes, already anticipating what he'd say. Of course, he'd seen the post about her "accident" at the airport. Part of her had expected this.
She let the phone ring a few times before finally answering, her voice barely masking her annoyance.
Yuna: (curtly) "Hello?"
Jihun: (rushed, concerned) "Yuna! I just saw the post about you at the airport. Are you okay? What happened? Why didn't you tell me?"
Yuna: (sighing, unimpressed) "It's not a big deal, Jihun. I just tripped, and Yeseo helped me up. People made it into this huge thing, but it's nothing."
Jihun: (insistent) "Nothing? You could've been hurt! I was worried when I saw those pictures. Are you sure you're alright?"
Yuna: (exasperated) "I'm fine. Really, Jihun, you're making this into something it's not. I've had worse falls, trust me."
Jihun: (pausing, disappointed) "I just… I wanted to make sure. I care about you, Yuna. Seeing you hurt even just in photos makes me worry."
Yuna: (dismissive, ready to end the conversation) "Well, you don't have to worry. I'm fine, and I've got more important things to focus on. So, if that's all…"
Jihun: (quietly, hurt) "Yeah… that's all."
Yuna: "Good. Bye, Jihun."
She hung up without waiting for a response, already pushing the conversation out of her mind. Jihun's concern was just another nuisance, a distraction from her real focus. She had more important things to think about than a well-meaning call from him. This was just another step in her journey, and nothing not even Jihun's concern would stand in her way.
Jihun lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, the empty silence of his room pressing down on him. He couldn't shake the hurt that twisted in his chest after his call with Yuna. He had reached out, worried and sincere, hoping to be there for her. But her cold dismissal lingered, leaving him feeling hollow.
Yuna was his everything. No matter how often she brushed him aside, he kept coming back, wanting to be close to her, to protect her even if she didn't see him that way. For him, Yuna was the person who brightened his world, someone he'd do anything for, yet tonight he felt more distant from her than ever.
He'd spent so many nights like this, lying awake, wondering what he'd done wrong or what he could do differently. He kept telling himself that maybe, one day, she'd see him the way he saw her. But each time she dismissed him, it became harder to keep that hope alive.
Staring into the quiet darkness, Jihun wondered if he was fighting for something that had never truly existed. But the thought of letting her go hurt more than anything else. So he stayed, hoping that one day, Yuna would understand how much he cared even if it meant enduring moments like this, where his heart felt like it was breaking.