You weren’t even looking for him—not really. But there he was, by the courtyard stairs, crouched down with that familiar blank expression, fingers curled around something small and silver.

Kim Bom stood in front of him, brushing her hair behind her ear with that soft, shy smile. You couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it didn’t matter—not when Sa Gye stood and extended his hand, necklace resting in his palm like it meant something.

It was just a return. Just a gesture.

Still, your chest tightened.

You slowed your steps, hovering just behind the wall. Watching. Waiting for her to take it. Waiting for him to say something that would confirm every stupid thought already spiraling in your head.

Was this what it felt like? Not heartbreak—just… the slow realization you weren’t the one the story would follow?

Kim Bom reached for the necklace, her fingers brushing his. He didn’t flinch.

You turned away before you could see her smile. But you heard him say it—soft, unreadable.

“Be more careful next time.”