BELLADONNA

Chp37: the hidden mysteries

Wooyoung texted me back, sending the location for our meeting spot. My heart raced as I read his message—I’d been waiting for this. I quickly threw on a black hoodie and a pair of jeans, something simple but comfortable, blending into the evening’s quiet shadows. I made sure to grab the bracelet we found, tucking it securely into my pocket, feeling its cool weight pressing against my hand as a reminder of everything that had led to this moment.

The walk to the café felt like a journey of its own, each step filled with anticipation. Streetlights cast long, soft glows on the sidewalk as I made my way through the familiar streets, their warm light contrasting the cool night air. By the time I reached the café, I could see its soft glow spilling onto the pavement, the scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting into the night. With a deep breath, I stepped toward the door, ready to see where this path would take me next.

As I stepped into the café, the familiar warmth wrapped around me, mingling with the rich scent of coffee and baked pastries. My eyes adjusted to the dim lighting as I scanned the room, searching for any sign of Wooyoung. The gentle hum of conversation filled the space, blending with the soft jazz playing in the background, yet my focus was sharp, zeroed in on finding him.

Then, across the room near a window, I spotted him. He was leaning casually against the back of a chair, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as if he had been expecting me to look right there. The bracelet in my pocket suddenly felt heavier as I made my way toward him, weaving between tables with a mix of excitement and nerves, wondering what this meeting would bring.

I walked over and slid into the seat across from him, feeling the slight tension in the air settle as I met his gaze. Wooyoung looked up, his expression unreadable, yet his eyes held a glint of something—anticipation, maybe, or curiosity. The dim light cast soft shadows across his face, highlighting his familiar features. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence filling with the quiet clinks of coffee cups and the low murmur of nearby conversations. I shifted slightly, feeling the coolness of the bracelet in my pocket again, reminding me why we were here.

“I… um… wanted to talk to you about something important,”

I managed, my voice softer than I intended. The words hung between us, and I could feel my pulse quicken as Wooyoung leaned forward slightly, his expression turning more serious.

He nodded, encouraging me to continue, and I felt a rush of emotions well up that I hadn’t fully prepared for. My fingers instinctively brushed over the bracelet hidden in my pocket, its smooth surface grounding me for what I was about to say.

I reached into my pocket, fingers closing around the bracelet before I slowly pulled it out and placed it on the table between us. The soft clink of metal against wood felt heavier than it should, and Wooyoung’s gaze shifted down to it, his expression tightening with curiosity and a hint of tension.

“This bracelet we found…”

I began, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I know who it belongs to.”

I watched his reaction carefully, feeling the weight of the moment settle over us. This wasn’t just about a piece of jewelry—it was about the secrets it held, the memories tied to it, and everything it would bring into the open.

“Before I tell you anything,”

I said, my voice wavering slightly as I tried to keep my gaze steady on him,

“I just… I just need you to listen to me first. Really listen. And try to understand.”

The words came out slowly, each one heavy with the weight of what I was about to reveal. Wooyoung’s eyes softened, and he nodded, leaning in just a little, signaling that he was ready to hear whatever I had to say. I felt a knot of tension loosen slightly, knowing he was prepared to listen—maybe even prepared to understand—despite whatever this truth might change.