𝑼𝒔 𝑨𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 :: 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐘𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝟎𝐓𝟕 [ REVISING ]

༄𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑 ( revised )

CHAPTER 3: Glimmers Through the Cracks

[ June 30th || THE NEXT DAY...]

⎯⎯ ୨ HANEUL'S POV ୧ ⎯⎯  

The next morning, Seoul felt different.

Not louder, not busier—just closer. As if the air had shortened the distance between memory and moment. Or maybe I was just more awake to it now.

I dressed simply—a clean slate kind of outfit: soft linen slacks, an oversized cream blouse, and minimal makeup. Something about this look always made me feel more like myself. Less curated, more... unfinished. And today, I didn't want to look like someone healed. I wanted to look like someone healing.

When I arrived at HYBE, the staff at the front desk greeted me with surprise and warmth. One of the assistants from the Creative Strategy team recognized me almost instantly.

"Ms. Bang," she said, slightly breathless, "I didn't know you'd be stopping by again so soon."

"Neither did I," I replied with a soft smile. "But I figured I should start getting familiar with the building before I wander in circles and end up in a dance studio by accident."

She laughed. "Honestly, the layout still confuses half of us. I can show you around?"

"That would be perfect."

We took the elevator up to the 12th floor, where many of the division heads had their offices. I was just hoping to stop by and say hello to a few familiar faces—some of whom used to sneak me gummy bears in meetings when I was a teenager.

The moment the elevator doors opened, I saw it—chaotic movement, a rush of stylists, and the unmistakable clatter of wardrobe racks.

A staff member nearly ran into us.

"Oh, sorry!" she bowed quickly. "ENHYPEN is on this floor for a concept meeting and interview shoot today. Bit of a circus right now."

My heart gave the tiniest flutter at the mention of the name.