Chapter 2 Sparks in the Shadows

The restaurant's warm light cast a golden glow on the table where Mia, Ji-yeon, and Min-ho sat, chatting quietly over steaming bowls of tteokbokki and platters of fried chicken. The air smelled of spices and sizzling oil, and the atmosphere buzzed with soft laughter and conversation from other diners.

"So, Mia," Ji-yeon said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, "what do you think of Korea so far? Be honest!"

Mia set down her chopsticks and smiled. "It's beautiful. I love how lively everything feels. The food, the people-it's so different from home."

Ji-yeon's eyes sparkled. "I knew you'd fall in love with it here. But just wait, I have so many places to show you. Tomorrow, we'll-"

Min-ho cleared his throat, interrupting her. "Ji-yeon, don't overwhelm her. She just got here."

Mia chuckled. "I don't mind. I want to see everything while I'm here. Though," she hesitated, glancing at Min-ho, "I think I might need a guide who knows when to slow down."

Min-ho's expression softened slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I can help with that."

Ji-yeon wiggled her eyebrows, but Mia pretended not to notice, her heart fluttering at Min-ho's quiet offer.

---

After dinner, they stepped out into the cool evening air. The streets glimmered with neon lights, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the wet pavement. Street vendors called out to passersby, the smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet waffles wafting through the air.

"Let's walk for a bit," Ji-yeon suggested, linking her arm with Mia's. Min-ho walked slightly ahead, his gaze scanning their surroundings as if on alert.

"Does he always do that?" Mia whispered to Ji-yeon, nodding toward Min-ho.

Ji-yeon shrugged. "He's always been like that. Ever since he joined the military, he's gotten even more serious. But he's just looking out for us."

Mia couldn't help but admire Min-ho's protective nature, though she wondered what had shaped him into the man he was now.

As they strolled down the street, Mia felt a strange prickling at the back of her neck, as though someone were watching her. She glanced over her shoulder, but the crowd was thick, and nothing seemed out of place. Still, the feeling lingered, a faint unease that refused to fade.

"Mia?" Ji-yeon's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Mia said quickly, forcing a smile. "I'm just tired, I guess."

Min-ho turned to look at her, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "If you're tired, we should head back."

"No, I'm fine," Mia insisted, not wanting to ruin the night. "Let's keep going for a little longer."

But even as she said the words, the prickling sensation grew stronger.

---

The walk back to Ji-yeon's family home was quieter. Ji-yeon chatted occasionally, but Mia found herself distracted, her thoughts racing. She kept glancing over her shoulder, convinced someone was following them.

As they reached the front gate, Min-ho suddenly stopped, his body going rigid.

"What is it, Oppa?" Ji-yeon asked, her tone tinged with concern.

Min-ho didn't answer immediately. His gaze swept the street behind them, his hand instinctively moving toward the phone in his pocket.

"Mia," he said, his voice low, "did you notice anything unusual on the way back?"

Mia hesitated. "I... I thought I felt like someone was watching me, but I didn't see anyone."

Ji-yeon frowned. "Don't scare her, Oppa. It's probably nothing."

"It's not nothing," Min-ho said sharply, his eyes locking onto Mia's. "If you feel something, trust it. Next time, let me know right away."

Mia nodded, her heart pounding. "Okay, I will."

Min-ho's expression softened slightly, and he gestured for them to go inside. "You two go in. I'll stay out here for a while."

---

That night, as Mia lay in the guestroom, sleep refused to come. She stared at the ceiling, replaying the events of the evening in her mind. She couldn't shake the image of Min-ho standing guard outside, his silhouette framed by the faint glow of the streetlights.

A soft knock on her door startled her.

"Come in," she said quietly, sitting up.

The door opened, and Ji-yeon stepped inside, carrying a small tray with two steaming mugs.

"I figured you couldn't sleep," Ji-yeon said, setting the tray on the bedside table.

"You know me too well," Mia said with a weak smile, taking one of the mugs.

Ji-yeon sat on the edge of the bed, her expression unusually serious. "Are you really okay, Mia? You seemed really shaken earlier."

Mia hesitated, staring into her mug. "I don't know. I just... I had this feeling, like someone was watching me. It sounds silly, but I couldn't shake it."

Ji-yeon reached out and squeezed Mia's hand. "It's not silly. If it happens again, tell me or Oppa right away. We won't let anything happen to you."

Mia nodded, comforted by her friend's words.

---

Outside, Min-ho leaned against the gate, his eyes scanning the quiet street. The feeling of unease that had settled over him during their walk home hadn't left. His instincts told him that something wasn't right, and years of training had taught him to trust those instincts.

A faint movement caught his attention-a shadow slipping between buildings farther down the street.

Min-ho straightened, his body tense.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm and commanding.

There was no answer, only the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

After a long moment, Min-ho shook his head and turned back toward the house. Whatever it was, he would keep a closer watch from now on.

Inside, the shadow lingered, watching the house with an unsettling stillness.