Chapter 3 The Strangers Shadow

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of Mia's room, warming her face and coaxing her awake. She stretched lazily, her body still heavy with the remnants of an uneasy sleep. The memory of last night lingered-Min-ho's tense demeanor, the strange sensation of being watched.

Mia shook her head, trying to dispel the feeling. Maybe I was just imagining things.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Mia, are you awake?" Ji-yeon's voice called through the door.

"Yeah, come in," Mia replied, sitting up.

Ji-yeon stepped in, holding a tray of breakfast. "I thought you might want to eat in bed today. You looked tired last night."

Mia smiled, touched by her friend's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Ji-yeon. You're spoiling me."

"Of course I am! You're my guest," Ji-yeon said with a grin. "But eat quickly. Oppa said he wants to take us somewhere today."

Mia blinked. "Min-ho wants to take us out? Really?"

Ji-yeon laughed. "I know, it's shocking. He usually avoids spending too much time with people, even me. But I think he likes you, Mia. You're special."

Mia felt her cheeks warm. "I don't think that's it. He's just being polite."

Ji-yeon smirked knowingly but didn't press the issue.

---

Later, the three of them piled into Min-ho's car, the ride marked by a comfortable silence. Mia watched the cityscape blur into the countryside, the scenery shifting to rolling hills and dense forests.

"Where are we going?" Mia asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

"You'll see," Min-ho said simply, his eyes focused on the road.

Ji-yeon, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward. "He's taking us to a spot we used to visit as kids. It's peaceful, and there's a great view. You'll love it."

Mia turned to Min-ho. "Thanks for doing this."

Min-ho glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "It's nothing. You'll enjoy it."

---

They arrived at a secluded hilltop overlooking a sparkling river. A wooden pavilion stood at the edge, shaded by cherry blossom trees whose bare branches hinted at the coming spring.

"It's beautiful," Mia said, stepping out of the car and taking in the view.

Min-ho stood nearby, his arms crossed. "It's a quiet place. Not many people come here."

Ji-yeon wandered off to take photos, leaving Mia and Min-ho alone. An awkward silence settled between them until Mia decided to break it.

"Thank you for looking out for me last night," she said softly.

Min-ho turned to her, his dark eyes steady. "It's my job to protect people. But... you're not just anyone. You're Ji-yeon's friend."

Mia smiled. "Well, I appreciate it. I've never had anyone be so... serious about my safety before."

He looked away, as if embarrassed by the compliment. "You should always be cautious. You don't know who might be watching."

The words sent a chill down Mia's spine. "Do you think something's wrong?"

Min-ho hesitated. "I don't know. But until I'm sure, stay close to me."

Mia nodded, her trust in him growing.

---

As they prepared to leave the hilltop, Mia wandered toward a nearby trail. Something about the quiet path drew her in, though she couldn't explain why.

"Mia!" Ji-yeon called. "Where are you going?"

"I just want to take a quick look!" Mia shouted back.

She didn't get far before a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?"

Mia spun around to see a man standing a few feet away. He was tall and striking, with sharp features and a confident smile. His dark eyes seemed to bore into hers, and his presence radiated a strange energy that made her uneasy.

"Uh... yeah, it is," Mia said cautiously. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."

The man chuckled. "No need to apologize. I didn't mean to startle you. You're not from around here, are you?"

"No, I'm visiting a friend," Mia said, her instincts screaming at her to leave.

"Well, enjoy your stay," the man said, his smile widening. "I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Mia hurried back to the car, her heart racing.

---

Back in the car, Ji-yeon noticed Mia's pale face. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Mia shook her head. "It's nothing. Just tired."

Min-ho, however, didn't buy her excuse. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Mia said quickly. "I just ran into someone. It was probably nothing."

Min-ho's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "What did they look like?"

Mia hesitated, unsure how to describe the man. "He was tall, dark hair, sharp features... I don't know, he seemed polite, but something about him felt... off."

Min-ho didn't respond, but the tension in his jaw was unmistakable.

---

That night, Mia found herself unable to sleep again. The man's piercing gaze haunted her, and the way he had spoken-as if he already knew her-sent shivers down her spine.

She sat by the window, staring out into the darkness. A faint movement caught her eye, and her breath hitched.

A shadow lingered at the edge of the street, unmoving and silent.

"Mia?"

She jumped, turning to see Ji-yeon at the door.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Ji-yeon said. "What are you looking at?"

Mia glanced back at the street, but the shadow was gone.

"Nothing," she said, her voice trembling. "Just... nothing."