Afternoon – Café
Eunwoo pulled his cap lower as he stepped into the café, followed by Minseok, one of NOVA's most cheerful members.
"Hyung, why did we come here today?" Minseok asked while scanning the menu.
Eunwoo smiled lightly. "A little break isn't so bad, right?"
His eyes instinctively searched the café.
Yuna isn't here today.
A strange feeling settled in his chest as memories of last night surfaced.
Just then, Minji approached their table, carrying a tray. Her usual polite smile was there, but her eyes held a hint of worry.
"Hello, what would you like to order?"
Minseok answered first. "What's the best dessert here?"
Before Minji could reply, her gaze flickered toward Eunwoo for a brief moment.
Without hesitation, Eunwoo asked, "Is Yuna not here today?"
Minji's expression faltered.
"I haven't seen her since she left work last night," she said, frowning slightly. "I called her this morning, but her phone is off. I was planning to check on her after my shift."
Eunwoo's heart pounded.
Hwan's words from the previous night… his eyes…
"I'll take what he values most."
A chilling sensation ran through him.
But he didn't let it show.
Slowly, he stood up and turned to Minseok.
"You stay here. I'll be back soon."
Minseok raised an eyebrow. "Hyung, where are you going?"
Eunwoo didn't answer.
---
Night – An Empty Street
Eunwoo quickened his pace as he entered a deserted alley. The sky was heavy with clouds, and a faint breeze rustled the collar of his jacket.
He closed his eyes, reaching out—trying to sense Yuna.
He needed more than human instincts. He needed his angelic senses.
But…
He felt nothing.
A sharp anxiety stabbed through him.
"This isn't normal…"
Then, cutting through the silence, a soft yet commanding voice echoed:
"Eunwoo, you are stepping into forbidden territory."
Eunwoo lifted his gaze.
Seonwoo.
His silver hair shimmered under the dim light of the night. His eyes, as always, were firm.
Eunwoo didn't look away as he whispered,
"Yuna is missing. I can't find her."
Seonwoo was silent for a moment.
Then, he let out a quiet sigh.
"Eunwoo… your feelings for her are becoming more dangerous. If you use your powers to find her, Heaven will not forgive you."
But Eunwoo met Seonwoo's gaze and said just one thing:
"I don't care."
I will find her.
Seonwoo studied his friend's determined face and took a deep breath.
Then, slowly, he nodded.
"Alright… but be careful."
At that moment, a bolt of lightning split the sky.
Both of them understood.
They were breaking a sacred rule.
But there was no turning back now.