Under the Shadows of Night

Chapter 2: The Echo of the Past

Days turned into weeks, and Hyu continued to excel in her studies, but the shadow of Joon's obsessive behavior loomed over her like a dark cloud. Every evening, after her classes, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, even from a distance. The unsettling feeling grew stronger each time she caught a glimpse of him, waiting outside the school, or in the park where she often studied

One particularly chilly evening, as Hyu made her way home from her evening class, she decided to take a different route, hoping to avoid Joon. The streets were dimly lit, the glow of the streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. Hyu wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck, shivering slightly as the cold air bit at her skin. The eerie silence of the street heightened her senses, making her acutely aware of every sound around her.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Her heart raced as she quickened her pace, glancing over her shoulder to see if someone was following her. To her dismay, she saw Joon's familiar figure trailing a few yards behind, his expression unreadable. Panic surged through her, and she turned to walk faster, desperately hoping to reach the safety of her home.

-Hey, Hyu! Joon called out his voice echoing in the empty street. Wait up!

She didn't respond, her instincts urging her to run. But he closed the distance quickly, catching up to her with a few long strides.

-What's wrong? I just want to talk, he insisted, stepping into her path, blocking her way.

-Just leave me alone, Joon! she shouted, anger mixing with fear. I don't want to talk to you

His expression hardened, but there was a glimmer of desperation in his eyes.

-You don't understand. I care about you. We had something special.

-Special? You're stalking me! This isn't love, it's obsession! she retorted, feeling tears prick at her eyes. In that moment, she felt completely cornered.

Just then, Minwoo appeared at the end of the street, his tall frame radiating strength.

-Hyu! he called, rushing towards her. When he saw Joon, his expression turned fierce.

-What do you think you're doing?

Joon stepped back, clearly intimidated by Minwoo's presence.

-I was just talking to her

-Talking? It looks more like harassment to me, Minwoo shot back, standing protectively in front of Hyu. You need to leave her alone, Joon. This is your final warning.

Joon clenched his fists, but with one last look at Hyu, he turned and walked away. As he disappeared into the shadows, Hyu let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

-Are you okay? Minwoo asked, his voice gentle now as he turned to her.

-Not really, she admitted, shaking slightly. Thank you for coming. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here.

-Always, Hyu. I won't let him hurt you, Minwoo promised, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch was a comfort amid the turmoil, but it couldn't erase the fear that clung to her like a second skin.