It was past midnight when you noticed the soft flutter outside your window.

Perched calmly on the balcony railing was a familiar silhouette—sleek feathers, gleaming violet eyes, head tilted toward you like it was waiting. Jinu’s bird.

You paused, heart skipping, already knowing what it meant.

You slid open the balcony door gently, cool air spilling into the room. And there he was.

Jinu stood in the shadows, his form half-hidden beneath a dark hood. The city lights caught the faint shimmer of purple demon markings curling along the side of his neck and hands—pulsing faintly, like they were breathing. His violet eyes lifted to meet yours, glowing just enough to make your chest tighten.

He didn’t speak at first. He never did.

You leaned against the doorframe, voice low. “You could’ve texted.”

“I didn’t want anyone else to know I was here,” he murmured, stepping forward into the light. “Besides… you always notice the bird.”

Your eyes scanned him—he looked the same and not at all. Tired, like he hadn’t rested in days, yet calm in that otherworldly way he always carried. Quiet power just under the surface.

You reached out, fingers brushing the edge of his sleeve. “Why are you really here?”

His gaze lingered on you for a long moment. Then, so softly you almost missed it:

“I missed you.”