Chapter Text

Prolog

Darkness.

So dense it was as if no other color had ever existed.

No sky, no ground, no direction. Only a silence so hollow, cold, and all-consuming.

He woke up there.

Not from sleep, not from a dream, but as if he had fallen from somewhere that no longer existed in memory.

His whole body felt weightless... as if it didn’t belong to him. As if it had forgotten what it felt like to be alive.

There was no pain. No fear.

And yet... no certainty either.

He began to walk, trying to find a way out.

Each step was slow, and the only sound that followed was the echo of his own footsteps.

“Where... is this?” he murmured. Not even a shadow of himself could be seen in the thick darkness.

“Who are you?” another voice responded, sudden and unfamiliar.

Within the pitch-black void, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed, though no figure appeared.

“I...” He tried to remember. His mind was blank, but slowly, something whispered from within. “...Sunoo.”

“I’m Sunoo,” he repeated, this time with more conviction.

“Are you lost?” the voice asked again.

“Maybe...? I don’t know where this is...” Sunoo answered uncertainly.

“Follow me.”

Without ever seeing who it was, the footsteps began to move away. Sunoo followed without question.

They walked in silence for quite some time until a hole of light appeared in the distance.

“That is your destination. Go ahead.” the voice said. Even as the light began to illuminate the surroundings, the figure behind the voice remained invisible.

“Wait... who are you?” Sunoo turned in all directions, trying to catch a glimpse.

“Me...? Alice.”

Suddenly, the hole of light opened wide as if tearing space apart to reveal something hidden.

Without warning, Sunoo’s body was pulled in, slowly falling into the swirl of light.

When he opened his eyes, the darkness had vanished completely. In its place stood a café—elegant and antique, as if it had been pulled from another era.

The ceiling soared high above, adorned with intricate murals in perfect symmetry and golden carvings so divine they looked hand-crafted by gods. A crystal chandelier hung gracefully at the center, scattering golden light that bathed the room in warmth. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and rich coffee, blending with the hum of customers coming and going.

The walls were lined with smooth, dark wooden panels, and shelves stocked with bread, pastries, and porcelain cups arranged neatly like a gallery of delicate art. Curved wooden chairs were placed in perfect symmetry around polished white marble tables. At the far end, a spiral staircase led to the upper floor, where a balcony with a few more tables overlooked the room below—an invitation to enjoy the café from above.

Sunoo blinked slowly. It felt like he had just crossed the boundary between dream and reality.

But this place was too vivid, too detailed, to be merely a dream.

And somehow, his once-empty mind was slowly being filled with a memory.

“Mr. Sunoo?”

Sunoo jolted. The voice was soft but clear, snapping him to attention. He turned quickly—and his gaze landed on the man sitting in front of him.

The man looked as if he had stepped out of a renaissance painting.

Auburn hair framed his face perfectly.

He wore a dark leather coat over a crisp white shirt and a perfectly knotted tie. What stood out most was the long cross earring swaying gently as he turned slightly toward Sunoo, adding an air of mystery to an already unreadable expression.

His deep, sharp eyes—intense but not intimidating—were fixed on Sunoo with concern. “Is something wrong? Did you see someone suspicious?”

“N-no... It’s just... you...” Sunoo stammered. He was still disoriented, unsure where to begin or how to explain.

“Ah...” The man nodded slightly, as if realizing something.

“I’m Oz. The detective you asked to help investigate the threat letter.” His tone was calm.

He then raised a hand, pointing at the table, right at a piece of paper lying in front of Sunoo.

Sunoo followed his gaze—and saw the letter.

The message stood out in bold letters:

You have 7 days before the full moon. Marry me if you want to survive.

Suddenly, fragments of memory rushed in. The threatening letters had come again and again, haunting him.

That was why he had turned to a detective for help. And today was their first meeting.

“So you haven’t suspected anyone yet?” Oz asked.

Sunoo nodded slightly, almost hesitantly.

Oz exhaled slowly, resting his chin on his interlaced fingers. His gaze grew serious.

“Then you must start suspecting everyone you meet. And find the culprit quickly.”

He looked directly into Sunoo’s eyes.

“But don’t worry. From now on, I’ll protect you.”

✴✴✴

Chapter Text

Day 1:

Investigating Aurora

Sunoo was a young man who lived alone, with no parents or relatives.

He worked as a waiter at a fairly busy café and lived in a shared house behind the café building. The place had been provided by the café’s owner—someone he had never once met in person.

At least, that was the fragment of memory Sunoo believed to be his current life.

Because he felt threatened by a series of anonymous letters, Sunoo decided to seek help from a detective named Oz. For protection, Oz suggested staying temporarily in the same place—using one of the empty rooms in the shared house.

Naturally, that required the café owner’s permission. Oz said he knew the owner very well, and so, with no trouble at all, he got the approval.

And that night, Sunoo found himself living under the same roof with Oz.

The shared house wasn’t some cramped workers’ dorm—it was a large house, with many vacant rooms. Sunoo couldn’t help but wonder. With all those empty rooms, why was he the only employee ever allowed to stay there? And stranger still, he had never once seen the owner.

“Mr. Sunoo, do you enjoy playing games?” Oz broke the silence as they stepped into the living room.

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t we going to talk more about that threat letter?”

Their earlier conversation at the café had been cut short—Sunoo had to tend to customers—so they had agreed to continue at home.

“We can talk and play, can’t we?” Oz gestured toward a beautiful antique chessboard, already set with black and white pieces.

Sunoo nodded. “Alright.”

They sat across from each other. Oz let Sunoo take the white side and go first.

“Are you really a detective?” Sunoo asked as he made his opening move. “I feel like I’ve heard something… about a wizard named Oz.”

Oz gave a faint smile. “Being a detective is just my side job. I’m actually a wizard.” He picked up a black pawn and held it in front of Sunoo. “I could show you a spell where this tiny piece swallows your entire army.”

Sunoo snorted. “That’s not magic. That’s skill.”

Oz laughed, saying nothing more.

For Sunoo, winning wasn’t the point. If Oz beat him, so be it. He wasn’t there to prove anything—he just wanted to find out who had sent those terrifying letters.

Yet as they played, something about Oz’s moves felt familiar. The way he advanced, the way he captured pieces—it stirred something deep in Sunoo’s memory. A lingering trace. A sense of déjà vu.

Oz remained calm, focused. His pieces moved as if they knew where they were going.

Sunoo tried to defend, but even early on, he knew he was at a disadvantage. Every time he thought he saw an opening, Oz would shut it down like he’d predicted it all.

And then, with a smooth and subtle final move, Oz took Sunoo’s rook and said,
“Checkmate.”

Sunoo froze. He hadn’t even realized the game had ended.

“Well?” Oz raised the same black pawn he’d shown earlier. “Amazing, isn’t it? This little piece can become a queen.”

Sunoo gave a nod. “I’ll admit, that was impressive,” he said. “But I’m not going to lose again. Let’s play another round.”

Oz gave a crooked smile. “As you wish.”

They reset the board.

This time, Oz played differently—his moves more open, more patient, as though the game itself was just a stage for a more important conversation.

“So,” Oz began, sliding his knight into a neutral square, “about those letters… You’ve received more than one, haven’t you?”

“Yes.” Sunoo recalled getting them repeatedly since the day before.

“In those letters, the sender says you must marry them before the full moon… or you won’t survive. And now there are only seven days left,” Oz explained. “You should start investigating the people closest to you.”

“Investigate who?” Sunoo asked, eyes fixed on the board, his fingers brushing the next piece.

“The owner of the café you work at.”

Sunoo froze. He stared at the chessboard, then looked up. “I don’t even know who they are, or where. How am I supposed to investigate someone I’ve never met?”

“He’s coming back tomorrow morning,” Oz said calmly.

That night, Sunoo lost four games in a row.

✴✴✴

The next morning, just like Oz had said, a new face appeared at the house. The café owner had finally returned.

As Sunoo stepped out of his room, he was startled by the sight of a man in the kitchen, pouring hot water from an old porcelain kettle.

The man looked casual—wearing a striking red button-up that resembled a light jacket over a plain white shirt. His skin was pale, his features soft yet defined, lips naturally pink, and his black hair slightly tousled.

Sunoo froze. Not just because it was his first time seeing the owner—but because of how breathtaking the man was.

“Good morning,” the man said, still not turning around. “You must be Sunoo, right?”

“Y-yes,” Sunoo stammered.

The man finally looked at him and smiled wide. “I’m Aurora. I own this café and the house.”

Aurora?

Sunoo almost laughed. It sounded like a girl’s name—for someone so handsome, it felt oddly fitting.

Aurora raised his cup playfully. “Coffee? Or tea?”

“Hot chocolate...” Sunoo replied without thinking.

“Haha, alright. Have a seat—I’ll make it.” Aurora smiled warmly and turned back to the kitchen.

“See? Told you he’d be back,” Oz said, appearing out of nowhere and plopping into the chair next to Sunoo. “I’ll take coffee.”

Aurora clicked his tongue. “I wouldn’t have come if you hadn’t promised medicine for me, bastard.”

“Mr. Aurora is sick?” Sunoo asked curiously.

“He has trouble sleeping. That’s why he travels around to escape the boredom of insomnia,” Oz replied.

“Yeah... I’ve tried everything, but nothing helps,” Aurora added, handing them their drinks. He sat across from Sunoo. “Still, maybe it’s good I came back. Now my staff get to meet their absurdly handsome boss.” He winked.

Sunoo blushed. There was something effortlessly charming about Aurora’s confidence.

Under the table, Oz nudged Sunoo’s leg and whispered, “Don’t forget to investigate him.”

Right. Sunoo reminded himself this was no ordinary reunion—he had a job to do.

So that day, he played two roles: waiter and quiet observer.

He studied Aurora from behind the counter and between the tables. The man was almost too perfect—handsome, approachable, and unafraid to help in the kitchen when things got busy. His smile lightened the room. Even the customers seemed more relaxed when he was around.

Sunoo noticed something strange—despite the café’s fame for its sweet treats, Aurora didn’t like sweets.

Instead, during breaks, he would sit alone by the window, sipping two black coffees and staring out with a hollow gaze.

There was nothing suspicious in his behavior. Nothing that made Sunoo believe he was the sender.

As night fell, the café had closed for the day. The staff had all gone home, leaving only Sunoo and Aurora behind to tidy up the dishes and glasses.

Crash!

Sunoo flinched at the sharp sound of breaking glass. He turned instinctively and found Aurora crouched on the floor, picking up shards of a shattered glass.

Just as he expected, a soft hiss of pain escaped Aurora’s lips, accompanied by the sight of blood trailing down from his index finger.

“Stop! Don’t touch anything else!” Sunoo rushed over, pulling Aurora away and guiding him to sit on the nearest chair.

“Mr. Aurora, are you stupid?!” he scolded, almost yelling. “Why would you grab broken glass with your bare hands? Now your hand's bleeding!”

Aurora gave a faint smile, his eyes narrowing slightly from the pain. “Sorry. I didn’t think.”

With a heavy sigh, Sunoo quickly reached for the first-aid kit stored beneath the kitchen shelf. He cleaned the wound on Aurora’s finger carefully, then wrapped it with a bandage.

Once the wound was tended, Sunoo gently blew on the bandaged finger before pressing a soft kiss to it.

Aurora, who had been silently watching him the whole time, let out a quiet chuckle.

“Is that a habit of yours?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Blowing and kissing after treating a wound?”

Sunoo froze, his face flushing. He stood up quickly and turned away, pretending to busy himself with the first-aid kit that was already neatly closed.

“I-I don’t know...” he murmured.

Even he was surprised by his own actions. Had he always done that without realizing?

A silence settled between them before Aurora spoke again, his voice soft.

“Sunoo, would you sleep with me tonight?”

Sunoo turned slowly. His mind searched for the reason behind the question, but there was nothing suggestive in Aurora’s expression. In his dark eyes, there was only loneliness—like his words weren’t an invitation, but a quiet plea.

Without realizing it, Sunoo nodded.

✴✴✴

If you thought “sleeping together” meant something sexual, you’re mistaken. In truth, Sunoo and Aurora simply shared the same bed and nothing more.

At first, Sunoo expected it to be awkward. But to his surprise, it felt oddly comforting—almost like something he'd missed.

“Thank you for saying yes,” Aurora said, breaking the silence. He rested one arm beneath his head on the pillow, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything weird. I just… need someone to talk to. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight either.”

Sunoo turned his head to study Aurora’s profile. “Since when have you been unable to sleep?”

Aurora was quiet for a moment. Then he gave a wry smile. “I’m not sure. Maybe since I was sixteen? Feels like I’ve been cursed never to sleep, haha.”

Sunoo swallowed. Looking at the mature features on Aurora’s face, he couldn’t imagine how exhausting it must be—living for years without rest.

“Did something happen… that made you unable to sleep?” Sunoo asked gently.

Aurora drew in a deep breath. “Yeah, there was.”

He paused again, as if weighing whether his next words were worth saying. “Someone I loved left me… while I was asleep.”

Sunoo said nothing, offering him the space to open up.

“That day, I regretted falling asleep. If I hadn’t, maybe I wouldn’t have been left behind, right?” Aurora glanced at Sunoo, searching his face in the dim light—wondering if he would be judged for blaming something as simple as sleep.

But all he saw was a pair of calm eyes, watching him without a trace of judgment.

Sunoo turned onto his side, fully facing Aurora. A gentle smile spread across his lips as he opened his arms.

“Want a hug?”

Aurora blinked. “H-huh?”

Without waiting for an answer, Sunoo moved closer. He helped Aurora roll over so they were facing each other, then wrapped his arms around him in a warm embrace.

He could feel Aurora’s body tense at first, but with a soft pat on his back, that tension began to melt.

“I don’t think you can’t sleep,” Sunoo whispered. “I think you’re just too afraid to.”

Aurora didn’t respond.

But in that embrace, he buried his face in the crook of Sunoo’s neck. His fingers clenched tightly onto Sunoo’s shirt, as if afraid to let go.

“It’s the wound, isn’t it? That feeling of being unsafe. And being alone… feels like a nightmare that never ends.”

With quiet care, Sunoo kissed the top of Aurora’s head.

“You don’t have to be afraid anymore, Mr. Aurora. You’re not alone.”

Like a spell, those gentle words and Sunoo’s kiss turned a night of unrest into one of peaceful sleep—for the first time in a long while, Aurora drifted off.

.

.

.

That night, Sunoo dreamed... 

.

.

.

In a modern, minimalist café, Sunoo sat across from someone whose face was blurred.

“Couldn’t sleep again? Your eye bags are getting darker,” Sunoo commented.

The person sighed deeply. “Yeah. I’ve had too much on my mind. Before I knew it, the sun was already up.”

“You should’ve just been cursed like Aurora in that fairy tale, and fallen into a deep sleep,” Sunoo joked.

“That actually sounds nice. If I were cursed to sleep, I wouldn’t have to think about all these problems. Haha,” the person replied with a sarcastic laugh.

Sunoo huffed. “Chin up! It’s our final year, you know!”

“By the way, why do you always come to this café?” the person changed the topic.

“For your information, cafés are a safe haven for final-year students like me,” Sunoo grumbled. “If I could, I’d open one myself—classic-modern style—so other students like me could find some peace.”

“Is that so? Then, when I’ve saved up enough money, I’ll build one for you. And I’ll add a big house behind it, so you can walk home straight after work,” the person said with a soft smile.

Sunoo returned the smile, wide and eager. “Let’s build it together!”

#tbc.. 

Chapter Text

Day 2 :

Investigating Cinderella

The next morning,

Sunoo woke up earlier than usual. Beside him, Aurora was still sound asleep, his face calm, one hand still clutching the edge of Sunoo’s shirt as if unwilling to let go.

Carefully, Sunoo eased his shirt from Aurora’s grasp, trying not to wake him. Once he managed to free himself, he got up and quietly stepped out of the room.

In the living room, the aroma of coffee greeted him. Oz was already there, lounging with a cup in hand, gazing thoughtfully at a chessboard mid-game.

“You’re playing chess this early in the morning?” Sunoo asked, approaching. He was baffled—sunlight hadn’t even touched the windows, yet Oz was already making his brain work.

Oz glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. “If there’s no opponent, the pieces themselves will do.”

Sunoo’s eyes drifted to the board. Right in the center was a lone black pawn, standing at square f7.

Directly in front of it—on f8—was the white king. If the pawn advanced, it would be taken immediately. But if it stayed still, there was no way out. It was trapped.

Sunoo snorted. “Did you just lose to yourself?”

Oz didn’t respond, still staring at the board in quiet concentration.

“Look at your pawn on f7. Move forward and it’s gone. Stay there and it’s useless. Classic suicide move,” Sunoo added.

Oz casually lifted his cup, taking a sip. “Did you already forget how I beat you yesterday?”

With a calm flick of his finger, he nudged the f7 pawn diagonally to the empty e8 square.

Sunoo frowned. “E8?”

Oz raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly. “Promotion.”

The moment the pawn reached the eighth rank, Oz picked up a black queen and placed it where the pawn had stood.

Sunoo’s eyes widened. With the new queen on e8, the white king had nowhere to escape. The remaining white pieces were blocked, and every route was sealed.

“Checkmate,” Oz said flatly, though there was unmistakable satisfaction in his voice.

He leaned back in his chair and took another sip of coffee as if nothing remarkable had happened.

Sunoo kept staring at the board in disbelief.

“Chess isn’t that hard once you understand how to use your pawns,” Oz said lightly.

“Hey, play one more round with me,” Sunoo suddenly said, challenged by the way Oz played.

“Sure. I suppose we should also talk about the investigation on Aurora,” Oz agreed.

Sunoo sat down across from him. This time, he let Oz play the white side. He wanted to see how Oz opened the game.

“So, what’s your conclusion after observing Aurora?” Oz asked as he moved his pawn to e4—a classic opening.

Sunoo mirrored the move, advancing his pawn from e7 to e5. “Honestly… he doesn’t seem suspicious. Just look at the cut on his finger. He’s too careless to take care of himself, let alone send threatening letters.”

Oz nodded slightly, his eyes still on the board. He didn’t comment on the injury, which made Sunoo raise an eyebrow. Shouldn’t a detective be curious?

But Sunoo let it slide, remembering Oz had once said he knew Aurora very well.

“So who should I investigate next?” Sunoo asked while moving his knight forward.

“This afternoon, someone will leave a watch behind at the café. Approach them. That’s your next lead,” Oz replied as he moved his bishop.

Sunoo narrowed his eyes. “You can predict the future now?”

Oz gave a crooked smile. “No.” He looked up, locking eyes with Sunoo, his gaze mysterious. “I made it happen. After all, I’m a wizard.”

Before Sunoo could even begin to process that statement, Oz moved his knight from f3 to g5. Sunoo immediately looked at the board—his black king on e8 had no escape.

The knight on g5 was supported by the white bishop on c1, cutting off the f2 and f3 squares. Sunoo’s own pawns blocked any retreat. A trap, built silently from the very first moves.

“Checkmate,” Oz repeated, wearing a smug grin.

Sunoo’s mouth dropped open. “That was just… a knight…” Once again, he couldn’t believe how easily he’d lost. And this time, even faster than before.

“Care for another game?” Oz tilted his head, smiling mischievously. It was obvious he’d sped through that match just to provoke Sunoo further.

Sunoo raised his hand quickly. “No,” he refused, firm and clear.

He stood up. “I have to open the café. Don’t tempt me into wasting time playing with you again, alright?” He couldn't stand being defeated so easily over and over. His pride demanded a rematch—but his responsibilities came first.

“You’ll see. I will beat you someday,” Sunoo muttered with fierce determination.

Oz watched as Sunoo walked away. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I have work to do too,” he whispered.

✴✴✴

This world is strange.

That was the thought that lingered in Sunoo’s mind as he carried out his daily tasks at the café.

Especially after the dream he had the night before—a vivid vision of another world filled with neatly lined skyscrapers just outside the café’s windows. A sleek, futuristic city.

In contrast, the world he now lived in had a peculiar charm. The buildings bore the elegance of Victorian architecture, yet the people walked around in modern attire—just like in his dream. It was a blend of old and new, coexisting side by side, creating a scene both surreal and strangely familiar.

“Classic-modern style.” That was exactly the phrase Sunoo had used in his dream.

And the names of the people he’d met since arriving here, reminded him of forgotten fairy tales.

Was this world real? Or was it born from a dream?

Sunoo couldn’t tell.

All he knew was that this place was so breathtaking, it felt too vivid to be just a dream—while the world inside his sleep felt far too real to be just a fantasy.

And maybe, the only way to uncover the truth... was to find out who had sent the threatening letter.

Whether the danger was real or not, Sunoo needed to know. He had to find the boundary between dream and reality.

Pyash!

His thoughts shattered as a commotion broke out among the customers. A woman had just thrown her drink at the man sitting with her, then stormed out of the café—leaving him drenched and alone.

“Wasn’t that Cinderella? That arrogant womanizer?”

“I heard he seduces a new girl every day.”

“Looks like he got rejected this time. She dumped her drink right on him.”

“Serves him right. Not every woman is after his money. He really thinks women are things to be bought.”

That was the buzz going around the café. Sunoo turned his eyes toward the man now at the center of attention. Cinderella looked furious, trying to hold back his humiliation.

He glanced down at his wristwatch, soaked from the drink, sighed, and set it down on the table as if it were worthless. Then, without saying a word, he got up and walked out.

Sunoo squinted, trying to confirm what he just saw.

A wristwatch?

“This afternoon, someone will leave a watch behind at the café. Approach them. That’s your next lead,”

Oz’s words echoed in his mind. So the customer he mentioned really existed! 

Sunoo quickly asked Aurora for permission to leave, saying he needed to return a customer’s belonging.

He then hurried after the man named Cinderella.

As he walked, he occasionally looked down at the watch in his hand. It looked more like jewelry than a regular timepiece. Its casing gleamed with polished metal, rimmed with tiny diamonds that framed the face. Inside, silver and gold gears ticked elegantly like a mechanical heart beating in slow rhythm.

Beneath them, a small black dial with silver Roman numerals added a touch of classical refinement. And etched at the bottom was a name: CaD. Perhaps a brand—or maybe the name of the craftsman. Whatever it was, the whole design was eye-catching, luxurious, and clearly expensive. More of a status symbol than a mere device to tell time.

One glance was enough to tell that Cinderella wasn’t just rich—he had a particular taste for luxury. This wasn’t just a watch; it was the kind of item owned by someone who thrived in extravagance and social prestige.

Sunoo slowed his pace when he spotted the man standing in front of a shop, eyes fixed on a display behind the glass. His skin was a warm tan, his jawline sharp, hair slightly damp and tousled, and his eyes carried a cool, piercing intensity. Sunoo studied him for a moment.

No wonder he could win over so many women—his good looks combined with that bad-boy aura were a dangerous mix.

Sunoo approached quickly. “Mr. Cinderella!”

The man turned. He folded his arms across his chest, waiting silently.

“Your watch... you left it on the table,” Sunoo said, panting slightly.

Cinderella scoffed, unimpressed. “And here I thought it was something urgent. It’s just a watch.” He glanced at it before tilting his chin arrogantly. “Keep it. Consider it payment for your refreshing water,” he said, sarcastic. Then he turned around and walked off, clearly uninterested in discussing what had just happened at the café.

Sunoo stood there, unsure how to respond to such an arrogant man. His eyes drifted toward the shop window—the one Cinderella had been staring into.

Inside was another luxurious watch on display. The design was different, but what caught Sunoo’s attention was the brand name at the bottom: CaD.

The same name etched on Cinderella’s watch.

“CaD...?” Sunoo muttered. Then, without thinking, he shouted, “Is CaD your alias?!”

The shout made Cinderella stop in his tracks. He spun around, stormed toward Sunoo with long, determined strides, and before Sunoo could retreat, he grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into a narrow alley between the buildings.

Thud!

Sunoo’s back slammed against the wall. Cinderella pinned him in place, one arm braced beside his head, the other gripping his shirt tightly. Their faces were inches apart, breath mingling.

His glare was sharp as a blade. “How do you know that name?” he hissed.

Sunoo froze. Everything had happened so fast, he forgot to breathe.

“I... I just guessed,” he squeaked.

Cinderella’s eyes didn’t soften. “What made you guess? Why would you think that’s my name?”

“Your eyes! I saw how you looked at the watch in the window. It was the kind of look someone gives to something they really love.” The words tumbled out of Sunoo’s mouth with surprising ease. Maybe he’d just unlocked a hidden survival skill: improvisation.

Cinderella narrowed his eyes, scanning Sunoo’s face for any hint of deception. But all he found was innocent honesty.

He finally let go. “You know, I’ve never told anyone that name.”

His gaze trailed up and down Sunoo. “So, are you trying to date me now?”

“Huh?” Sunoo frowned, clearly confused.

“Well, you found out my secret. You must want something in return to keep that sweet little mouth of yours shut, right?”

He crossed his arms, tone smug. “Fine. I’ll humor you. I am handsome enough to attract even guys. So, what kind of date do you want? I’ve never dated a man before, but I’m sure your tastes aren’t that different from women’s. You probably like expensive things. Just say the word.”

Sunoo stared in disbelief. People had called Cinderella arrogant—but he hadn’t expected the man to be this deeply narcissistic.

Still, if this was the only way to investigate him, Sunoo figured... why not play along?

"Yes, I want to go on a date with you." Sunoo crossed his arms over his chest, mimicking Cinderella’s arrogant stance. "So take me somewhere that money can’t buy."

"Haa?"

"Aren’t you famous for always giving your partners whatever they want during dates?" Sunoo replied, his tone slightly challenging. "I want a date in a place money can’t buy."

He said it on purpose, just to see how Cinderella would react. Sunoo was curious—was this man really a womanizer like the rumors claimed, or just a hedonist who liked to flaunt his wealth?

"No." Cinderella shook his head, rejecting the idea. "I only give things. Not feelings."

"Then forget it." He waved dismissively. "Come find me tomorrow, or whenever you want, if you're after something expensive."

Without waiting for a reply, Cinderella turned and walked away, leaving Sunoo standing still in thought.

Only things, not feelings?

That line made Sunoo rethink everything. Maybe Cinderella wasn’t someone who played with women’s hearts. Maybe he was just a man who’d gotten used to using money to pamper others. Nothing more.

Sunoo’s curiosity deepened. He wanted to know the man behind the handsome face and arrogant persona.

That day, Sunoo quietly followed Cinderella wherever he went. The man spent the rest of the day flirting with several women, then treating them to expensive gifts.

His lifestyle truly lived up to the rumors. If Cinderella did turn out to be the one who sent the threatening letter, Sunoo wouldn’t be surprised. With a carefree, indulgent life like that, maybe he sent it just for fun.

Sunoo was about to head back. He started to feel like his actions were pointless—just trailing a man who lived recklessly and couldn’t care less. But his steps halted when he saw Cinderella turning into a rundown area at the edge of the city.

The sun was nearly set. Sunoo assumed this was where Cinderella lived.

What he didn’t expect was for Cinderella to stop in front of a worn-down house that looked more like a shack.

Without turning, Cinderella spoke. "How long do you plan to keep following me?"

His voice cut through the silence. Sunoo froze, realizing Cinderella had known all along.

Awkwardly, Sunoo stepped out from his hiding spot and approached him.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I was just… curious about you," Sunoo said.

Cinderella let out a long breath. "Now that you know my secret, there’s no point in kicking you out. Want to come in?"

Cinderella walked in first.

Still hesitant, Sunoo followed him into the modest home. As the door opened, the scent of aged wood and faint metal greeted him—a smell more typical of a workspace than a place to relax.

The living room was small, with a faded, worn-out sofa and a scratched wooden table. There were no walls separating the living room, kitchen, and hallway. Everything was open, a clear sign of how limited the space was. In the corner stood a single door, probably leading to the bedroom. The ceiling was low, and the floor made creaking sounds with every step.

But what caught Sunoo’s attention most was a dedicated workbench fixed to the wall near the window. Scattered across it were tiny tools—tweezers, mini screwdrivers, magnifying lenses, and assorted watch parts in various shapes. A few hand-drawn sketches of watch designs lay on yellowed paper. The workbench was neatly arranged amidst the simplicity, like the very heart of the house.

Sunoo stared, intrigued. Even in a place this cramped, Cinderella had made room for a watchmaker’s bench. A clear sign that despite his modest life, he took great pride in his craft.

"You’re the first person who knows who I really am," Cinderella said as he shut the door. A bitter smile crept onto his face—so different from the arrogant smirk he wore outside.

The mask he wore during the day had slipped, revealing tired, honest eyes. He walked to the kitchen, grabbed two glasses from the shelf, and filled them with plain water.

"All I have is water. That okay?" he offered as he handed one to Sunoo.

Sunoo nodded quietly. "That’s fine."

Still, his thoughts swirled. He couldn’t fully grasp the man now standing in front of him.

The same Cinderella who had strutted around with swagger and sharp words now looked like a regular man—a man who lived simply, worked as a watchmaker, and lived in a small house barely big enough to hold all his dreams.

But then why? Why didn’t he use all that money he spent in the day to improve his life? To build a better place, or expand his workshop?

Sunoo didn’t understand.

"Don’t try to understand," Cinderella said, as if reading Sunoo’s mind.

He sighed and looked down. "I don’t even fully understand myself."

His gaze fell on the two glasses on the table. It turned vacant, as if the glass surface had pulled him back to the past.

"I used to live happily, like any normal family. My father was a businessman—married twice—and I had a kind mother and step-siblings. We were a harmonious family. We never lacked anything."

Cinderella paused, then continued in a heavier tone, "Everything changed when my father died and left behind a mountain of debt."

"My mother and step-siblings left me. They didn’t want to carry the burden. So I was the only one left to deal with it all."

He lifted his face, his breath slightly strained. "But I can’t hate them. I’m just… disappointed. In my father, and in life. Why debt? Why me?"

Sunoo remained silent. He knew a wound was being exposed, and it wasn’t his place to interrupt.

"You know, once someone gets tangled in debt, they can’t escape it. I’m living in that cycle now," Cinderella’s voice was flat, almost hopeless. "Borrowing to cover another loan. No matter how many luxury watches I make and sell, it never feels like enough."

He let out a dry chuckle. "Ironically, I actually enjoy spending money. It’s like… erasing who I really am. When I buy expensive things for others, they acknowledge me. I feel like I matter. At least… for a moment."

Then he turned to Sunoo. "But when someone tries to get closer than that, I pull away. I reject them."

His eyes were raw and vulnerable. "I don’t want anyone else to get dragged into the debt I carry."

Sunoo sat still, piecing together everything he’d just heard. It all started to make sense now—the reason why Cinderella lived two completely different lives.

Suddenly, Cinderella huffed and clicked his tongue, trying to mask the vulnerability he’d just shown. He slipped back into his arrogant persona.

"Tch. Why the hell am I telling this depressing story to a stalker like you?"

Sunoo spoke up carefully. "Instead of constantly spending money just for other people’s approval… why not try accepting your situation? If you could make peace with it, maybe you’d be able to focus on what you actually do have."

Cinderella turned his head toward him, a sneer on his face. "You mean focus on my debts? I’d lose my mind if I thought about them every single day, you know?"

Sunoo quickly shook his head.

"No…! I mean, yes, you have debts, but you also have something more valuable."

Cinderella furrowed his brow. "What?"

Sunoo directed his gaze to the simple table in the corner of the room—the place where Cinderella’s workshop was. "Your dream."

He pointed to the workbench. "The watches you create… you made all of them with your own hands, didn’t you? You have a skill that not everyone possesses. Even in these tough conditions, you’re still able to create something beautiful."

Cinderella followed Sunoo’s gaze, looking at the neglected creations before him. For a few seconds, he said nothing.

Sunoo continued, his voice gentler now. "You always give expensive gifts to others… but have you ever given something to yourself? Something that isn’t an escape or proof to anyone, but something to heal."

Cinderella didn’t respond right away. His gaze became calmer, as if those words had touched a part of him that had long been buried.

Sunoo smiled faintly, took a sip of the water that had been served, and then stood up. "I have to go back to the café. But if you need someone to talk to… I’ll be there."

Before Sunoo could step away, Cinderella grabbed his wrist. Sunoo turned, finding Cinderella standing, staring at him intently.

In an instant, Cinderella closed the distance between them, and without a word, he raised his free hand and slid his fingers around Sunoo’s neck, pulling him gently but surely.

And kissed him.

Cinderella pressed his lips against Sunoo’s lower lip, savoring every corner of the full, endearing lips that had spoken such touching words. It was as if he was conveying all the feelings he could never put into words.

Sunoo froze, trapped in the silence that felt so intense.

When Cinderella finally pulled away, he didn’t immediately retreat. His eyes locked onto Sunoo’s, deep and searching.

"Hey," Cinderella whispered, his voice now sensual and full of feeling. "I like you. If I asked you to stay, would you say yes?"

Sunoo stood still. Those words shook him more than the kiss itself. He didn’t know how to answer. His heart felt warm and confused. Everything related to Cinderella was always a surprise, yet it was enough to shake the very core of his reasoning.

An unfamiliar feeling stirred within Sunoo.

A desire to stay—

Ding…!

"Argh!"

Suddenly, a loud, bell-like sound rang out in their heads. Both Sunoo and Cinderella flinched, clutching their throbbing heads. The sound seemed to come from an invisible source, yet it struck the very center of their consciousness.

And before the pain could fully subside, the door to the house swung open.

A figure stood at the threshold—a man with neatly styled reddish-brown hair, wearing an elegant black coat. He smiled sweetly, his eyes narrowing in a friendly manner.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I’m here to take Mr. Sunoo home."

Sunoo recognized the voice. Despite the pain in his head, Sunoo called his name. "...Oz?"

Oz reached out and firmly, yet gently, grabbed Sunoo’s arm, pulling him into a protective embrace. His gaze then shifted to Cinderella, full of warning.

"Mr. Cinderella, you should not cross that line. If you do, you won’t come out of it unscathed."

Without waiting for a response, Oz turned and led Sunoo away from the house.

The sky had completely darkened. Streetlights flickered on, casting a dim glow over the empty streets they walked through. During the journey, Oz carried Sunoo on his back. Sunoo’s arm weakly wrapped around Oz’s shoulder, his face resting between the curve of Oz’s neck, hiding the lingering pain in his head.

"Does your head still hurt?" Oz asked softly, his voice full of concern.

"Yes…" Sunoo could only answer faintly. There was no strength left to pretend he was fine. He let his body gently sway with Oz’s steps, while the pulse of pain in his temples continued to throb.

He wanted to ask about the bell-like sound that had suddenly echoed, making the world feel as if it were trembling. But his head was too heavy to think, let alone ask.

Oz glanced briefly, looking at a lock of Sunoo’s hair resting on his shoulder, then whispered, "I’m sorry... I did it to protect you."

.

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.

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That night, Sunoo dreamed...

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.

.

Sunoo jogged over, still trying to catch his breath. "Guys... sorry I'm late," he said, wiping the sweat from his temple. Today, he and a few of his college friends had planned to watch a movie together at the theater.

"You were playing chess again with that senior you told us about, weren’t you?" teased one of the guys in the group. His tone sounded a little sulky. Oddly, out of all the faces present, only his was blurry—shrouded in a haze, impossible to see clearly.

Sunoo gave an awkward smile, feeling a bit guilty. "Yeah, sorry~ But the movie hasn’t started yet, right? Let’s go in!" he said, playfully slinging his arm around the guy’s shoulders, trying to ease his mood.

"Did you guys already get the tickets? I—"

"He already bought them. He’s treating us today," one of the friends interrupted Sunoo, pointing at the guy beside him.

Sunoo immediately widened his eyes in exasperation. "You paid for them again? Why do you keep letting them take advantage of you like that?" he scolded without hesitation, even though some of the group didn’t seem to like what he said.

"I did it because you’re here." The guy answered calmly, his expression easygoing. "I like spending money—but only on you."

Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small dark-colored box, handing it to Sunoo.

"I made this just for you."

Carefully, Sunoo opened the box. Inside lay an elegant watch, engraved with the initials Jw♡Sn.

His eyes welled up instantly. "***, sweetheart~ I love you~" Sunoo said, overwhelmed with emotion, and pulled the guy into a heartfelt hug.

#tbc..