With a gasp, Jisso stumbles backward, her chest heaving as she tries to process the fragmented images. Her hand trembles as she steadies herself against the bedpost, the vision lingering painfully in her mind. Her father's last words echo in her head, filling her with questions—and a growing sense that her return to the villa has awakened something long-buried, something her father tried so hard to protect her from.
Jisso (sobbing): "Why would he tell me to forget him…?"
After a few moments, she wipes her eyes and straightens, determined.
Jisso: "I need to know the truth… whatever it takes."
She takes a deep, steadying breath, though it feels like her heart might break with each beat. Determined, she heads to the bathroom, letting the hot water of the shower soothe her strained nerves. After drying off, she wears a flowing gown printed with a serene night sky and a glowing moon, somehow, it feels right.
Jisso wandered through the vast halls of the villa, searching for the three mysterious men who had become an unexpected part of her life. Room after room, corridor after corridor, but there was no sign of them. The eerie silence weighed heavily on her, making her heartbeat quicken with each passing second.
Fatigue crept into her limbs as frustration settled in. Just as her knees buckled and she was about to collapse, strong arms caught her, holding her effortlessly.
She blinked in surprise, finding herself pressed against a firm, muscular chest. Looking up, she met the familiar smirking face of Rai.
Rai: "Tsk, tsk. You really shouldn't push yourself so much, babydoll."
Before she could protest, Rai lifted her in a bridal style with ease, carrying her through the dimly lit corridors. Despite his teasing tone, there was a gentleness in the way he held her.
Jisso: "Rai… I-I can walk…"
Rai: "Sure you can. But let's not test that theory, huh?"
Ignoring her weak protests, he carried her to her room and gently placed her on the bed.