Dohyun sat on the edge of his bed, the faint hum of the city filtering through the window. With his phone pressed to his ear, he spoke in a clipped tone. “And Japan? Everything’s been handled?”

Secretary Jang’s voice came through steady. “Yes, sir. The final shipments were delivered on schedule without any problems.”

“Good.” Dohyun leaned forward, his free hand tracing the grain of the wooden bed frame. Memories of his seven years in Japan flickered in his mind: the soothing scent of tea leaves, the quiet corners of tea shops where he had mastered the art of blending, and the bittersweet farewells with friends who had replaced the family who had abandoned him.

“Anything else, sir?” Jang’s question broke his reverie.

“Yes.” Dohyun’s voice hardened. “Has Madam Miri made any moves?”

A pause on the line, then: “She’s aware you’re in the Hongdae area. She’s been discreet, but it’s only a matter of time you’ll need to return to the Main House.”

Dohyun’s jaw tightened. “You know why that’s never going to happen.”

“My apologies, sir. Of course.” Jang’s tone was apologetic yet professional. “On another note, your transfer to K University has been finalized. Your class schedule will be emailed shortly.”

“Thank you,” Dohyun said curtly before ending the call. He let the phone slip from his fingers and fell back onto the bed, pinching the bridge of his nose. His chest felt heavy. 

Thoughts of his mother surfaced—after so many years, his memory of her had become hazy. I bet this is what you’ve always been waiting for. Dohyun’s bitterness was focused on only one person–his father.

Jaemin’s yelp of pain slipped from his mouth. Bomi gripped his wrist with precision, her knuckles turning white. Her grin was anything but friendly. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you to keep your hands to yourself?”

“Ah—ow!” Jaemin’s face twisted, his confidence evaporating under the pressure.

“Gomi!” a voice called out. Dukhwan appeared, his hand snapping around Jaemin’s arm to free him from Bomi’s grasp. “She’s clearly not interested.”

Jaemin scowled, yanking his arm back. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Dukhwan’s smile looked friendly. “I had plans with her already. Didn’t she mention it?”

Bomi, or rather Gomi’s nighttime alter ego, stifled a laugh as she observed the scene. The two boys posturing like roosters in a ridiculous display was almost too much.

She’d wanted to snap the idiot's wrist, but this turn of events was an unexpectedly amusing sight, so she decided to stay quiet for a rare moment and observe.

“Plans?” Jaemin scoffed, his voice rising. “Whatever. Do what you want. She’s not even that cute anyways.” He stormed off, shoving past a group of patrons exiting the restaurant.

As the group reassembled outside, Bomi’s grin vanished. The sun had dipped too low. She bolted without a word, her bag slung over her shoulder.

“Hey—wait!” Dukhwan called, his brows knitting in confusion. He jogged after her, finally catching up a few blocks away. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Bomi turned, her expression flat. “Obviously. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Dukhwan blinked, taken aback. “Well, you—”

“Listen, I’ve got to run.” She saluted him mockingly and pivoted, quickening her pace before he could respond.

“Gomi!” he started, but his phone buzzed in his pocket. Seeing the caller ID, he sighed and answered, “Hi Shin–.”

“Oppa! Did you know that Dohyun oppa left Japan already?” Her voice came fast, breathless as she interrupted him. 

Dukhwan rubbed his temple. “I found out recently.”

“Secretary Lee is so useless,” she huffed. “I wanted to come back with Dohyun oppa! He didn’t even tell me he was leaving.”

“Dohyun probably had his reasons,” Dukhwan replied, his tone soothing despite the ache in his chest. “When are you back? I’ll pick you up and treat you to a meal.”

Shinhye’s tone became sugary. “You’re always so nice, oppa. I wish Dohyun oppa was like you—like when we were kids.”

After arranging her airport pick-up, they said their goodbyes. Dukhwan stared at the black screen of his phone, his expression reflecting its dark.

A pang of something bitter twisted in his chest. He muttered under his breath, “Dohyun hyung will probably never go back to how he was. Not for you. Not for anyone.”