'' The Truth Behind the Photos''
I looked over at Luna,, her brows already furrowed,, her lips pressed in a determined line. She crossed her arms and said with fierce certainty, "I'm coming with you..."
I nodded without hesitation. "Okay then,, let's go."
She moved toward the door,, pausing only to add,, "But Rimi… I think we should call Aiko. Maybe he can tell us how he got those photos of Ji-hoon and his secretary... We deserve the truth. We need to know what he's cooking."
My chest tightened at the mention of those photos. I glanced down at my phone,, the screen still displaying that one haunting image—Ji-hoon whispering into the ear of a woman who wasn't Clara... His so-called secretary. His hand around her waist as if Clara didn't exist.
My blood simmered with rage...
"How could he?" I murmured,, staring at the image. "How could that jerk betray such a sweet girl… a girl who still believes in fairy tales and perfect endings??"
Luna placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Let's call Aiko."
My fingers trembled as I tapped on Aiko's contact. A lump formed in my throat... I was praying—praying—that he would pick up.
He did...
"Hello??" came his unmistakably cool voice.
I exhaled quickly. "Aiko. It's me—Rimi."
"Yeah. Obviously. I know,," he said with that same casual smugness he always carried.
Luna leaned closer to the phone. "Let's cut to the point. How did you get those photos??"
There was a pause. Then Aiko chuckled under his breath. "You really think I'm going to tell you that over the phone??"
"Aiko,," I warned.
He didn't budge. "Nope... We're not having this conversation like this. Let's meet."
Luna rolled her eyes. "He's so damn annoying."
I sighed and said, "Fine. Meet me at the Day & Night Café. I'll be waiting..."
"Perfect,," he replied,, then hung up before I could say anything else.
Luna narrowed her eyes at the phone screen. "If he doesn't give us real answers this time,, I swear I'll punch him."
"Luna. We need him right now,," I reminded her gently. "We have to deal with him carefully if we want the full truth. We need to know what Ji-hoon is up to."
She blew out a breath. "Yeah,, yeah. Let's not waste any more time."
We rushed to the car. As Luna drove,, my thoughts spiraled. Luka had asked to meet us too. Was this connected?? And why did Aiko send those photos to me now??
Ji-hoon had already hurt Clara once... And now… again?
Clara—my friend who still waited for love like it was written in the stars—had trusted him with everything. How could he cheat?? How could he risk breaking her for the second time??
The Day & Night Café appeared ahead of us,, nestled quietly beside the Han River. Elegant, exclusive,, and private—Clara's favorite. I remembered how she used to talk about this place like it was her secret sanctuary.
We stepped inside...
And there they were...
Luka and Oliver, seated in a velvet booth by the tall window, sunlight spilling across the polished table...
Luna whispered under her breath,, "So we get company… and him. Ugh. I really hate that jerk." Her eyes were glued to Oliver...
I gave her a warning look. "Stay calm,, okay??"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm trying. Barely."
Luka waved as soon as he saw us. I forced a smile and walked over,, Luna right behind me.
I took the seat opposite Luka while Luna plopped down beside me,, arms crossed and her gaze fixed coldly on Oliver.
He squirmed slightly under her stare...
"Um…" Luka started,, clearly sensing the tension. "Oliver's my friend. I asked him to come."
Luna opened her mouth to retaliate,, but I raised my hand. "It's fine. No problem."
She shot me a look before glancing back at Oliver,, who gave her an awkward smile. "So,, how have you both been??" he asked.
Before I could reply, Luna cut in sharply, "As you can see, we're alive and perfectly functional."
Oliver blinked. "Wow. Easy,, girl. Just making conversation."
"And I'm just answering," she said,, not missing a beat.
Luka chuckled, clearly enjoying this more than he should. Luna turned toward him,, the ice in her eyes thawing just a little as their gazes met. She smiled softly at him...
I saw it. I definitely saw it.
Oliver groaned. "Can you two stop flirting while I'm still recovering from Luna's glare??"
Luka laughed harder. "Bro,, it's kind of funny. You deserved that."
"Enough," I said, my voice firm. "Let's get to the point."
Luna nodded. "We think we know what this is about. But we want to hear it from you."
Oliver and Luka exchanged glances,, clearly confused.
"You know?" Luka asked cautiously.
I looked straight at him. "We want to make sure we're all on the same page. So talk."
Luka hesitated, his fingers tapping the side of his glass. "Alright. Then here we go—"
"Adrian?!"
Oliver's sudden outburst snapped our heads toward the entrance...
My breath hitched...
Adrian...
Walking toward us like he'd walked out of a dream. Or a nightmare... I didn't know which.
Beside him, cool and calculated as always, was Aiko...
Luna froze...
I couldn't move...
Adrian's eyes found mine immediately... His steps didn't falter, his expression unreadable.
But then—he smiled.
That soft,, dangerous smile that made my stomach twist.
He walked to our table, never taking his eyes off me, and with infuriating ease,, slid into the seat next to me.
His shoulder brushed mine...
His presence filled the space...
The air grew thick.
He leaned a little closer,, voice low and velvet smooth.
"Missed me… mi aroma??"
To be continue...