Chapter 5: The Spark She Didn’t See

🌸 Chapter 4: The Spark She Didn’t See

The Kim mansion buzzed with life that evening. Laughter echoed down the marble halls, the scent of fresh tteokbokki drifting from the kitchen as family gathered after Aurora’s return. She’d just changed into a soft sweatshirt and cotton shorts—comfortable, casual. Jungkook was somewhere raiding the kitchen.

Aurora padded into the living room, where a familiar chuckle made her pause.

> “Took you long enough, little Japan graduate,”

a voice teased, deep and warm.

She turned, caught off guard by the sight of Cha Eunwoo—seated comfortably on the ivory couch, one arm draped lazily along the back, smirk firmly in place. He looked like he belonged here—too polished, too calm.

> “Eunwoo!” she blinked, surprised. “You’re back in Korea?”

> “And you didn’t tell me you were returning,” he shot back, mock-hurt. “Some bestie.”

She laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Technically, Jungkook’s the bestie.”

> “Ouch,” he clutched his chest, dramatically wounded.

From behind her, Jin muttered under his breath, “Here we go…”

Namjoon smirked, biting into a rice cracker. Yoongi leaned in close to Taehyung and murmured, “This’ll be fun.”

Eunwoo stood, towering over her by a good few inches. “You still shrink when someone gets too close?” he asked, stepping in. She didn’t move, but her breath caught for a split second. A flicker.

> “Still dramatic,” she huffed, jabbing a finger at his chest. “Did you come here to roast me or welcome me?”

> “Can’t it be both?” he grinned. “You make it too easy.”

The room chuckled. She rolled her eyes and flopped onto the couch, tucking her feet up. Eunwoo took the spot beside her without asking.

They began trading light jabs—about old school memories, how she still burns ramen, how he once lost a bet and had to dress as a bunny in public. She laughed freely, cheeks flushed, completely unaware of how he watched her when she smiled.

But the others noticed.

> “Should we leave?” Jimin whispered to Hobi.

“Nah,” Jackson smirked. “She has no clue yet. Let her catch up.”

Eunwoo nudged her with his elbow.

> “Still stubborn as hell?”

> “Still annoying as ever?”

> “You missed me.”

“Did not.”

The smile he gave her then wasn’t teasing—it lingered, a soft curve of something older, deeper. But she didn’t see it.

Only Taehyung and Yoongi caught the flicker in his eyes—the kind that spelled trouble... or fate.

And she?

She just kept laughing.

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next chapter 🌙 Clue: “The Painting Room Holds Secrets”

That night, while the mansion sleeps, Aurora finds herself drawn to a quiet room—one filled with old paintings, sketches, and dusted memories. One particular canvas grabs her attention… but it’s not hers.

Someone has painted her—exactly how she looked in Japan, down to the silver earring she wore only once.

And the artist? He’s watching from the doorway.

The soft light glows behind him as he steps forward…

> “I wasn’t supposed to let you see that,” he says.

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