Nora had never been sent beyond the estate walls alone before.
The moment she stepped outside, clutching the envelope Bobae had handed into her hands, the world seemed to widen in front of her. The mansion disappeared replaced by open streets and moving people who looked like they belonged everywhere at once.
She hugged the letter to her chest as though it might float away if she loosened her grip.
Nora smiled to herself.
She boarded the bus with a bounce in her step, choosing a seat by the window. As the vehicle pulled away, she pressed her forehead lightly to the glass, watching the city unfold—stores stacked close together, narrow alleys branching off like secrets, traffic lights blinking in unfamiliar rhythms.
It felt like freedom.
She checked the address again.
No. 23, Jwigunghan Street.
The bus slowed several stops later, and Nora jolted upright, suddenly alert.
"This is it" she muttered, scrambling to her feet.
The aisle was narrow, and the bus was more crowded than she'd realized. As she squeezed past a seated passenger, I'm getting down—sorry—excuse me—!" The edge of her skirt brushed against a metal latch near the exit. She felt a strange tug but didn't think much of it, too focused on getting off before the doors closed again.
She stepped down.
Her foot hit the ground.
Then a soft, unmistakable sound followed her movement.
Rrrrrrp.
Nora froze.
The bus hissed and pulled away, oblivious, leaving her standing there with the city humming around her. Slowly, dread creeping up her spine, she looked down.
Her skirt had torn along the side seam, the fabric pulled open just enough to expose far more than she could think of.
Her eyes widened.
"No. No no no—" she whispered, grabbing at the fabric in a panic. "This can't be happening. Why now?"
She stood stiffly, legs pressed together, heart racing as she tried to pull the skirt closed with one hand while keeping hold of the envelope with the other.
"I can't go there like this," she groaned, stamping her foot once in frustration. "But I have to deliver this message!"
She looked up and down the street helplessly, cheeks burning with embarrassment
Suddenly a jacket settled gently around her waist.
Nora gasped and spun around.
A tall, handsome man stood behind her, dark hair slightly tousled, eyes calm and amused in a way that made her forget how to breathe.
"Use this," he said gently, his expression calm, almost amused in a way that felt reassuring rather than mocking.
For a moment, Nora could only stare.
Then she bowed awkwardly. "Th-thank you, sir."
She wrapped the jacket tightly around herself, tying the sleeves at her hip. Her face felt like it was on fire.
"Where are you headed?" he asked.
"N–No. 23… Jwigunghan Street," she replied, holding up the address as though it might explain everything.
Recognition flickered across his face.
"That's my street," he said.
A smile curved up his lips as his dimples appeared, deep and unexpected.
Nora's breath caught.
"Oh," she said faintly.
"Want me to show you the way?" he asked.
She nodded instantly, words failing her entirely.
They walked side by side down the street, the silence between them oddly comfortable. Nora focused hard on not tripping, not blushing, not doing anything embarrassing. she glanced at him, wondering how someone so calm could exist her heart beating like it wanted to escape her chest.
The houses grew larger the farther they went, iron gates rising, gardens trimmed with care. Finally, Nora stopped in front of a grand upstairs and turned toward him.
"This is it," she said. "Thank you so much for—"
She trailed off.
He had already walked past her, unlocking the gate.
Nora blinked.
Confused, she followed him with her eyes as he pushed the gate open and stepped inside like he belonged there.
"This…" she said slowly, holding up the address again. "This is where I'm coming."
He stopped.
Turned back and looked at her
Surprise crossed his face.
"This is my friend's parents' house," he said.
Nora's mouth fell open. "WHAT?"
He studied her more closely now. "What's your name? And who sent you here?"
"I'm Nora," she said quickly. "Bobae sent me. She said her mother lives here."
The air shifted.
"How do you know Bobae?" he asked sharply. "Where is she? What happened to her?"
Nora hugged the envelope tighter. "C–Can I please come inside first?"
His expression softened instantly. "Ah—yes. Sorry. Of course."
Inside, the house felt warm and alive. Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating polished floors and quiet elegance. Nora looked around, awe settling in her chest.
Why did Bobae ever leave a place like this? she wondered.
"Sit," he gestured, leading her into the living room.
She perched carefully on the edge of a plush sofa, still holding the envelope like a lifeline.
"Taeyun," he said suddenly.
"Huh?"
"My name. Taeyun."
"Oh! I'm—"
"I know. Nora."
He turned and called out, "Omma. Someone's here."
Footsteps approached.
A woman stepped into the room, and Nora's breath caught. She looked exactly like Bobae—same eyes, same posture, same quiet strength softened by warmth. Two men followed behind her: one older, dignified; the other younger, sharp-eyed and intense.
"Who is she?" the woman asked, looking at Taeyun.
He grinned. "My girlfriend."
"What?"
All three stared.
The younger man shot Taeyun a warning glare.
"Relax," Taeyun laughed. "She came from the Jjejuk mansion. Where Bobae is."
The room went silent.
"Bobae?" her mother whispered, eyes searching Nora's face. "Where is she?"
Taeyun took the envelope gently from Nora's hands and passed it to his mother.
"She sent this."
"Omma," Nora said softly, standing. "Bobae unnie said you shouldn't worry. She's doing fine. Her number is inside. She said you'll see her soon."
Tears welled instantly.
"I should go now," Nora said quietly.
"Wait."
The younger man stepped forward.
"My name is Kimho," he said. "I'm Bobae's brother."
He pressed something small into her palm.
"A tracker. Tell her I came back three days ago. Tell her to hang on. I'm coming for her."
Nora bowed deeply, emotion thick in her throat.
"Thank you."
Taeyun walked her out, the gate closing softly behind her.
As Nora stepped back into the street, she realized something important.
Bobae wasn't as alone as she thought.
There are people that are willing to fight for her