𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒

𝟎𝟎𝟏: 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄

We often overlook certain moments in life and fail to realize their true value until facing consequences in the future and experiencing regret. This is precisely what happened to you when you saw his name on the big screen of the building.

"The Unfortunate passing of ...Ryu Sun Jae from Eclipse"

You let go of the cake and the bouquet, ignoring the sound they made when they hit the ground as you continued staring at the screen. However, no matter how long you stared at it, nothing changed; his name and picture remained. Yet, you still couldn't believe it, as if your brain couldn't process what it had just seen or simply didn't want to.

As you stood there, gazing at the screen and attempting to organize your thoughts, everything seemed too chaotic and overwhelming to the extent that tears slowly began to form and fall. Nothing made sense; everything seemed like a blur. You were going to his apartment to surprise him after being overseas for a long time, but instead, you came back to something you wished you had never seen, something that will become a haunting memory forever.

More people started to crowd toward the area you were in, their faces showing different expressions as they read the news on the big screen: shock, confusion, sadness, and pity. Some even noticed and started pointing at you while whispering to the person beside them, who you assumed was either their friend or family relative. However, they weren't good at whispering, so you ended up hearing everything.

"Isn't that [Y/N]?"

"Who?"

"Ryu [Y/N], she's a famous painter but mostly known as Ryu Sun-jae's little sister! I heard she was staying overseas for a while, but I guess she came sooner."

"Oh my, and at the worst time ever. She must be devastated hearing about her brother."

"I know, right? I pity her. She should have stayed overseas for a bit longer."

You let out a sigh and turned towards the two people whispering, glaring at them. You were getting tired of hearing their conversation. Noticing that you were suddenly staring at them, they quickly stopped talking and started poking each other, signalling that they were caught.

"I think she heard us"

"Yeah me too, let's leave quickly before she says something"

Watching as one of them gently nudged the other through the crowd before they completely vanished.

'Why whisper when you can't even do it right.'

As you wiped away your tears, you bent down to pick up the cake and bouquet. Carrying the cake with one arm, you placed the bouquet on top before standing up and leaving the crowd. Once you stepped outside the crowd, you paused and realized you had forgotten about your dad in this mess. He was probably just as upset as you were.

You pulled out your phone and dialled your father's number, holding it close to your ear, anxiously waiting for him to answer. With each ring, your anticipation grew, hoping to hear his voice on the other end. Then, just as you were about to give up, a faint beep was heard, following the voice of your fathers.