The veil of hearts

•Echoes of a guarded past•

9

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The bustling café in the heart of Seoul hummed with the chatter of patrons and the hiss of espresso machines. Felix Cadwell sat at a corner table, his fingers drumming nervously on the smooth wooden surface. Across from him, Lim Sooho nursed a steaming cup of americano, his eyes darting periodically to the door.

"Are you sure about this, Felix?" Sooho asked, his voice low. "Meeting in public like this..."

Felix nodded, his jaw set with determination. "We need to talk, and I couldn't stand another minute in that cramped apartment."

Just then, Sooho's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his eyes widening. "It's confirmed. Movement around Aina in Almira. It's not good, Felix."

Felix's hand clenched around his untouched latte, his knuckles turning white. Without a word, he pulled out his phone and dialed, his eyes never leaving Sooho's worried face.

"Uncle Adlee," he said the moment the call connected, his voice tight with barely contained emotion. "Why didn't you tell me Aina was in Almira now? She's in danger."

The cafe's ambient noise faded away as Felix focused on his uncle's voice.

"Felix?" Adlee's surprise was evident. "What are you talking about? Aina is with her uncle in Turkey."

Felix's brow furrowed, his free hand running through his hair in frustration. "No, Uncle. She's in Almira. We have confirmation. Why have you kept this from me?"

A heavy silence fell. When Adlee finally spoke, his voice was laden with guilt. "I... I didn't want you to know. I thought if you believed she was in Turkey, you wouldn't try to find her."

Felix's expression darkened, a mix of hurt and anger flashing in his eyes. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to an intense whisper. "Uncle, how could you? She could be in real danger, and you've kept me in the dark?"

Sooho watched Felix intently, concern etched on his face as he witnessed his friend's internal struggle.

"I was trying to protect her, Felix. And you. Your presence could trigger her memories..."

"And her death wouldn't?" Felix cut in, his voice sharp enough to draw curious glances from nearby patrons. He took a deep breath, consciously lowering his voice. "Uncle, I understand your concerns, but this is Aina's life we're talking about."

Felix's eyes met Sooho's, a silent communication passing between them. "I'm going to Almira, Uncle. I have to protect her. Whether she remembers me or not... I made a promise."

There was a long pause before Adlee responded, his voice heavy with defeat. "Be careful, Felix. And... I'm sorry."

As the call ended, Felix set his phone down with a finality that seemed to echo in the busy café. He looked at Sooho, determination blazing in his eyes despite the turmoil evident in the set of his jaw.

"Book me the next flight to Almira," he said, his voice low but firm. "We don't have much time."

Sooho nodded, already pulling out his phone. "What about her memories? The risk of triggering them..."

Felix's gaze drifted to the window, watching the bustling Seoul street outside. His reflection stared back at him, a young man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Some risks are worth taking," he said softly, more to himself than to Sooho. "Her safety comes first. Always."

As Sooho made arrangements, Felix remained lost in thought, the untouched latte cooling before him. The café continued its lively buzz around them, oblivious to the life-altering decisions being made in their midst.

For Felix, the path ahead was clear, despite the obstacles. Whatever challenges awaited in Almira, whatever consequences his actions might bring, he was ready to face them. For Aina's safety, for the promise he'd made years ago, and for the feelings he couldn't deny – he would risk it all.

///

Aina's POV

The cool night air brushed against my skin as I walked along the dimly lit street. The bustling day had faded into a quiet evening, and I relished the solitude. My mind wandered, replaying the day's events, when a prickling sensation at the back of my neck made me pause.

I glanced over my shoulder, trying to appear casual. A figure in a dark hoodie and mask stood several yards behind me. My heart rate quickened, but I forced myself to remain calm. "Don't be paranoid, Aina," I chided myself silently. "Why would anyone follow you?"

But as I continued walking, quickening my pace slightly, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I chanced another look back. The hooded figure was closer now, and I caught a glint of something in their hand. A bottle? The streetlight reflected off its surface ominously.

My breath caught in my throat, fear gripping my chest. This wasn't paranoia. This was real.

Without thinking, I broke into a run. The sound of heavy footsteps behind me confirmed my worst fears. They were chasing me. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out everything but the rhythmic slap of my shoes against the pavement.

I darted around a corner, desperately searching for somewhere safe, someone who could help. The streets were deserted, the windows of nearby buildings dark and lifeless. Panic rose in my throat, threatening to overwhelm me.

Suddenly, I collided with something solid. No, not something - someone. Strong arms encircled me, steadying me before I could fall. I looked up, ready to scream, to fight, to do whatever it took to escape.

But the scream died in my throat as I met a pair of familiar, concerned eyes.

"Aina?" Professor Joshua's voice was filled with worry and confusion. "What's wrong? Why are you running?"

Relief flooded through me, my knees nearly buckling. I clutched at his arms, my eyes wide with fear and residual adrenaline. "Professor," I gasped, struggling to catch my breath. "There's... there's someone chasing me."

Joshua's expression hardened, his arm tightening protectively around me as he scanned the street behind me. "I don't see anyone," he said softly, but I could feel the tension in his body. "Are you sure?"

I nodded vigorously, my whole body trembling. "A man in a hoodie. He had something in his hand. I think... I think he was trying to hurt me."

Joshua's jaw clenched, a flash of anger crossing his features before he schooled them into a calm mask. "It's okay, Aina. You're safe now. I've got you."

His words, meant to be reassuring, sent an unexpected warmth through me. Despite the fear still coursing through my veins, I felt oddly secure in his embrace. It was inappropriate, a part of my mind whispered. He was my professor. But in that moment, with the threat of danger still looming, I couldn't bring myself to care.

"Let's get you somewhere safe," Joshua said, his voice gentle but firm. He kept one arm around me as he guided me towards the brightly lit entrance of a nearby café.

As we walked, I couldn't help but glance back over my shoulder. The street behind us was empty, no sign of my hooded pursuer. Had I imagined it all? But the residual fear in my gut told me otherwise. Something had happened tonight, something that had shaken me to my core.

And as I looked up at Professor Joshua's determined profile, I realized that something else had shifted too. The line between student and teacher, already blurry in my mind, had just become even more indistinct. In the face of danger, he had become my protector, my safe harbor.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hello frosts

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