Vantage || Hwang Hyunjin

Chapter 44. 𓇼 ⋆.˚ Watching From Afar

⋆.˚𓇼  Hyunjin

After what felt like the longest flight of my life, I finally arrived in Korea shortly before lunchtime. My uncle approached me after collecting his luggage.

"There's a small inconvenience," he said.

I sighed immediately. "What's the matter?"

"The company informed us that our cars couldn't leave on time. There's a delay."

"Why don't we just take the train?" I asked. "Or a taxi. Literally anything."

My uncle chuckled. "Your father specifically ordered us to wait."

Of course he did. "Fine. How long?"

"About two hours."

I rubbed my forehead. "Then let's grab lunch. My treat."

That suggestion earned immediate approval from everyone.

We picked the emptiest restaurant we could find. There wasn't a single customer besides us, which was exactly what I wanted. No reporters, no business associates, and no awkward conversations.

Just peace.

For once.

We sat down and ordered our food.

"Excuse me for a minute," I said, standing. "Bathroom."

The cleaning staff was still finishing up inside, so I waited outside for a few minutes before finally going in.

I was washing my hands at the sink outside the restroom when I heard a voice.

A familiar voice. My entire body froze.

Aeri.

Without even realizing it, I looked toward the dining area. There she was. Sitting across from Minho. My heart nearly stopped.

She looked different. Her hair was darker. Her features slightly older. I noticed it when we switched bodies. But seeing her in front of me as herself, made me notice it even more.

She had the same eyes, the same smile, the same girl I'd spent more than a year trying to forget.

Then I noticed what she was holding.

A necklace.

A necklace Minho had apparently given her.

Something unpleasant twisted in my chest. I should've walked back to my table and minded my own business. Instead, I found myself paying attention. I managed to go back to my seat unnoticed.

Unfortunately, my seat happened to be directly behind hers. The restaurant was so empty that every word carried.

"You remember, right?" Minho asked.

"I do." I heard her smile.

The thought alone made me look away.

"Aeri..."

I immediately felt uneasy.

"I know I told you back at the beach that I had feelings for you..."

The beach?

Together?

Since when?

"...and I was wondering—"

"I really want to, Minho."

For a moment, I genuinely thought I'd misheard her. The noise of the restaurant seemed to disappear around me.

I really want to.