SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

You're the only thing in this universe that makes me feel worth it.🥹

Later That Day - Sophia's Dorm Room

The letter sat on Sophia’s desk like it had grown roots. She hadn’t touched it since slipping it into her pocket back at the café. Not because she wasn’t curious—no, her fingers had itched all day—but because she knew. She knew exactly who it was from.

Minji and Jisoo were out at some dance club event, so the dorm was quiet, save for the hum of Sophia’s thoughts and the low buzzing in her chest. Her powers always stirred when something important was near.

And this letter was important.

She reached out, hesitated, then snatched it like it might disappear. With a deep breath, she tore it open.

Her heart dropped.

Sophia,

If you're reading this, then you’ve finally decided to stop running.

I’m not angry. I never was. I’m only... tired. Tired of being the villain in your story when all I ever wanted was to protect you.

I know you’ve blocked my calls, ignored my messages, and told yourself I’m the problem. Maybe I am. Maybe I’m the kind of storm you weren’t meant to weather. But don’t forget—you once danced in the rain with me. You smiled like you belonged in it.

There are things you still don’t know, Sophia. Things I can’t explain in a letter. But what I can tell you is this: You’re in danger.

Real danger.

They’ve found you.

You’ll feel it before you see them—the distortion in the air, like gravity shifting. That’s not your imagination. It’s them. The Council.

They don’t care that you’ve been quiet. They care that you exist. And your powers? They’re no longer dormant. I felt it the moment you used them last week at the park. It was small, but not small enough.

You think I’m still the same man you left behind.

I’m not.

I came to Korea the day after you left. I’ve been in the shadows, fighting ghosts with no names just to keep them from finding you.

But now... I’m out of time.

They’re coming.

Meet me tonight. Same rooftop. Midnight. Come alone.

Please, Sophia.

Don’t make me beg.

— L.

The room seemed to shiver with silence.

Sophia's breath came out ragged. The rooftop? That rooftop?

The memories struck her like thunder.

That first night. The rain. His arms around her. The way he looked at her like she was the only thing anchoring him to this world. And then—

The betrayal.

Her chest ached.

"Stupid... stupid Lee," she muttered, eyes glistening. "Why now?"

But she already knew she would go.

---

Midnight – Rooftop Garden, Abandoned Observatory Tower

The city lights blinked below like stars trapped beneath glass. Cold wind kissed Sophia’s cheeks, sending goosebumps up her arms.

The rooftop hadn’t changed. Still overgrown. Still hidden. Still theirs.