Mina drove with Duyen rushing along the road straight to the riverside. The suddenness of it all—how Mina had pulled her into the car without a word—left Duyen completely stunned. She wanted to turn to Mina and ask what on earth was so urgent, why Mina had dragged her here without explanation. But just as she opened her mouth, Mina hit the button to lower the roof of her red convertible.

A cool breeze swept in, carrying the fragrance of blooming flowers. Mina smiled radiantly, letting the wind whip her long, jet-black hair behind her. The way she drove—reckless yet free—felt like she had just escaped from somewhere that had kept her locked away. Watching that breathtaking image, Duyen’s urge to question her faded, though unease still stirred inside her chest. Why did it feel so good to be here with Mina, yet at the same time… so unsettling?

Then suddenly, Duyen realized where Mina was taking her. The riverside lined with rows of purple crape myrtle trees in full bloom. She gasped.

“Wait—this place…”

Mina only gave a sly smile, slowing the car until it came to a stop at a familiar picnic spot.

It was strange. Not long ago, this area had been filled with noisy families, children running around, trash and soda cans littering the grass. But now, not a single soul remained. Not even a scrap of trash. Only purple blossoms scattered across the ground, and the lonely benches left behind.

The scene was so beautiful it hurt to look at, yet the emptiness made Duyen’s stomach twist with unease. She couldn’t even pin down what exactly she was feeling before Mina stepped out, circling around to gallantly open the door for her.

Duyen’s face flushed. She was taller than Mina by two whole heads, her features strikingly androgynous like a handsome man—yet here was this refined heiress opening the car door for her. It felt oddly mismatched, but only Duyen seemed to think so.

“…Thanks, Mina.”

Mina gave a gentle, proud smile.

As Duyen stepped out and looked around, she realized—yes, this was definitely the place. The same riverside where she had ridden her motorcycle with Shana just days before. She couldn’t be mistaken. But before she could voice her suspicion, Mina spoke.

“Beautiful, isn’t it? Whenever I feel down or overwhelmed, I come here to look at these trees.” Mina caught a blossom drifting through the air and cradled it in her palm. “It’s such a shame they only bloom once a year… Still, I always hoped the person who’d share this view with me would be you, Duyen.”

Her smile glowed warmly beneath the purple petals, like she herself was part of a painting. Yet Duyen couldn’t shake the strange feeling gnawing at her chest. Déjà vu? I’ve heard these words before…

“I don’t know if I should say this but… this is also one of my favorite places. Kinda surprising that you like it too…”

If Mina really came here often, shouldn’t they have run into each other long ago? Mina only chuckled.

“Then it’s a coincidence. I was worried you might not like it here.”

“A coincidence…?” Duyen echoed, though she couldn’t ignore the sly look hidden in Mina’s gaze. Those eyes watched her with an intensity that felt like more than coincidence. That moment was so fast that Duyen thought it was just her imagination.

Before she knew it, Mina had pulled her toward a bench. And from the trunk of her red Maserati, Mina carried out an extravagant three-tiered Japanese bento box.

“This is…?”

Mina simply smiled, carefully laying out the ornate boxes: an assortment of high-grade sushi, rice with grilled eel and pickled ginger, and a dessert tier with six colorful mousse cakes alongside pristine Kyoho grapes.

Duyen’s eyes widened—this looked like something straight from a gourmet magazine. Too perfect to eat.

Blushing, Mina confessed, “I wanted to visit you at the hospital, but by the time I went, you were already discharged. So I came looking for you at home. I’m sorry I couldn’t see you sooner.”

“No, no—it’s fine!” Duyen stammered, waving her hands. Though deep down, Duyen knew that the reason why she had to leave the hospital was deeper. But Duyen wasn't sure if she should tell Mina about that.

Still, Mina’s cheeks burned crimson as she continued. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I… may have gone a little overboard.”

“You mean…” Duyen stared at the food, then back at her. “You made all this yourself?”

Mina nodded bashfully.

Duyen nearly choked. The presentation, the taste, the elegance—it was on par with a five-star chef. Since when had Mina learned this? Just how capable was she really?

Seeing Duyen stunned into silence, Mina panicked. “Do you… not like it? Did you eat already? I can change it for you—”

“No! No, I love it!”

“Really?” Mina’s wide eyes shimmered with hope.

“Really. It’s amazing.”

Inside, Duyen screamed at herself. Are you kidding me? The girl you’ve been crushing on since college just cooked for you herself? This can’t be real.

The portions were far too large for one person, but Duyen swallowed hard. Well, no choice now but to go along with it.

She reached for the chopsticks—only for Mina to snatch them up first. Duyen blinked in surprise. Then Mina lifted a slice of tuna sashimi, dipped it in soy, and held it up to her lips.

“Huh?”

“Say ahhhh~” Mina teased, gazing at her intently.

“Mina, wait—” Duyen blushed, glancing around even though no one else was there. “I can eat by myself—”

Mina’s eyes sharpened suddenly. Her blunt reply was chilling. “What? You don’t want me to?”

That coldness froze Duyen, and all she could do was reluctantly part her lips. “…Ahhh…”

Mina’s smile returned as she gently fed her the sashimi.

Duyen chewed, stunned. “Mmm… It’s… incredible! Seriously, Mina, this is the best sushi I’ve ever had.”

Mina laughed softly. “Is it really that good, or are you just flattering me?”

“I mean it! It’s the best.”

But Mina didn’t stop there. She kept feeding her, piece after piece, alternating sushi, rice, grilled eel. Duyen barely had time to swallow before another bite pressed to her lips. Overwhelmed, she finally sagged back as Mina poured her a cup of hot tea.

“Thanks…” Duyen murmured, their fingers brushing briefly. She didn’t notice Mina’s sudden blush, or how she lifted her own finger to her lips, trembling faintly.

Gathering her courage, Duyen finally asked

“Mina, all this… it’s amazing. But you didn’t bring me here just for this meal, did you? Or…?”

“Because I missed you.”

Duyen’s heart stuttered violently. “W-what…?”

Mina laughed softly. “What, is that not allowed? Can’t I just say I wanted to see you because I missed you?”

“Uh… I-I…” Duyen stammered helplessly, her face burning.

Mina’s smile deepened. But then her tone shifted

“Actually... there’s something I wanted to ask you. A favor.”

“…A favor?”

“You know the annual alumni reunion at Yelsulin University?”

“Oh… yeah. I’ve heard of it.”

Truthfully, Duyen had zero interest. The thought of facing old classmates—the ones who only remembered her as that overweight, awkward girl from years ago—made her stomach churn. Not to mention the ugly rumors about her...

Mina seemed to read her hesitation, but pressed on

“I know you don’t like events like that. But… I want you to come. With me.”

Duyen’s expression froze. Because of course—if Mina was there, then so would he... Valko.

“…Your husband will be there too, won’t he?” she whispered.

Mina’s smile faltered. The word “husband” on Duyen’s lips filled her with loathing. Valko. That name alone made her stomach twist with disgust.

Mina's eyes suddenly avoided Duyen. So that's it, is it because she's married? Mina doesn't feel that title makes her proud at all, she only feels disgusted by it. It's like she bathes every day but can't wash away that stain.

“So that’s it. You don’t want to go because I’m a married woman?” she asked bitterly.

“No, that’s not what I meant!” Duyen shook her head furiously. “I just… don’t want him to misunderstand.”

But Mina’s voice dropped cold. “Duyen. Valko and I… We are not what you think.”

Duyen was stunned, it wasn't like she thought? What did Mina mean? Before Duyen could process her words, Mina lunged forward—seizing her face and crushing their lips together.

“Mina—mmph!”

Duyen couldn't grasp Mina's action because it was so sudden and violent that she didn't have time to think about anything because Mina kept holding her head tightly like that and started to circle Duyen's mouth with her tongue.

The kiss was fierce, overwhelming. Mina’s tongue invaded, desperate, relentless. Between breaths, she whispered again and again:

I love you, Duyen. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you...

Duyen’s vision blurred. She felt like she was losing control—until suddenly.

Don’t betray me...

Suddenly, Shana's voice was like a wake-up call for Duyen. And her heart suddenly beat violently. She frantically pushed Mina away—

Mina was confused and still immersed in the passion of the kiss just now when she was pushed back. Then she saw Duyen screaming in pain while holding her chest.

“A-ARRRHHHH! ARRHHHHHHHH!"

“DUYEN!” Mina screamed, reaching for her, but Duyen batted her away, collapsing to her knees with a strangled cry.

“No—please, calm down! What's going on Duyen!? Are you in pain!?”

Mina burst into tears, she didn't know what was happening and she quickly hugged Duyen's back. No matter how hard Duyen tried to move or how violently, Mina refused to let go.

But Duyen only writhed in pain, before finally going limp, unconscious.

“DUYEN!” Mina cried, shaking her desperately.

And from the bushes nearby, another figure had been watching. A girl with cute twin braids hiding in the bushes, her expression alarmed: “Damn it! This is bad!”

She stepped out of the bushes and walked towards the two of them.

“Mina, let go of her!” she shouted.

Mina’s tearful eyes snapped up. Recognition struck her instantly—this was the same woman who had spirited Duyen out of the hospital.

“You…” Mina’s gaze turned venomous, her voice dripping with hatred.

Nayeon flinched under that glare, damn, this woman is really... too scary. But Nayeon held on her ground.

She couldn’t run now. Not when Duyen’s life was on the line.