Morning – Sinsa-Dong, Seoul
The sky was cloudy over Sinsa-Dong, but the high-end boutiques and cafés were just as vibrant as ever. Jiwoo walked quietly through the side streets, his black coat blending him into the crowd. A simple cap shaded his face. He wasn't hiding—he was simply… invisible by design.
He stepped into a flower shop tucked behind a narrow alley. The scent of lilies, baby's breath, and fresh soil filled the air.
The shopkeeper, an older woman in her sixties, looked up from arranging a bouquet. "Ah, welcome back, sir."
Jiwoo smiled. "Same bouquet as last time, please. Add white tulips today."
"Of course."
While she worked, the door opened again.
A familiar voice entered with the cold wind.
"Hi, do you have any blue roses?"
Jiwoo's hand froze.
It was Soyeon.
She hadn't changed much. Still dressed in trendy high-end fashion, her designer purse perfectly matched her shoes. But her expression was different—tired, guarded, and somewhat… restless.
The shopkeeper replied, "We rarely get blue roses. They're very rare in Korea."
Soyeon sighed. "Of course. Everything rare seems impossible these days."
Her eyes scanned the room—then landed on Jiwoo.
A flicker of confusion.
Then disbelief.
Then… silence.
She stepped closer. "Jiwoo?"
He turned slowly, his expression unreadable. "Soyeon."
Her mouth parted, stunned. "I… didn't expect to see you here."
"I live nearby now," Jiwoo said simply.
Nearby?
She looked him up and down—sharp coat, polished shoes, quiet confidence in his posture. He didn't look like the delivery boy she'd left behind.
No. He looked… established.
"You look… different," she said.
"I feel different," he replied.
Awkward silence stretched between them. Then she cleared her throat.
"I… I've been hearing about this 'Polaris guy.' You wouldn't happen to know who he is, would you?"
Jiwoo's smile was faint. "I hear he likes peace."
Soyeon laughed nervously. "Right…"
The shopkeeper returned with Jiwoo's bouquet. "All set, sir."
He paid with a sleek black card—no logo, no bank name.
Soyeon's eyes widened.
She knew what kind of wealth those kinds of cards implied.
Jiwoo took the flowers and nodded once. "Take care of yourself, Soyeon."
And just like that… he left.
No insults.
No anger.
Just distance.
Undeniable. Unreachable. Untouchable.
> [System Update: Soyeon's Regret Level increased to 53%.]
[Public Suspicion Rising: 14% now suspect Jiwoo may be behind Polaris.]
---
Later – Aurora Hills Estate
Yoori greeted Jiwoo as he entered. "You saw her, didn't you?"
He handed her the bouquet. "For the dining room."
She nodded, placing it into a vase carefully.
Jiwoo stood by the window, watching the pine trees sway.
"She looked lost," he said. "Not broken. Just… unsure if she made the right choice."
"She didn't," Yoori replied plainly. "But that's not your burden."
Jiwoo smiled. "I know."
> [System Notification: New Candidate Detected in Network Radius.]
[Name: Seo Mirae | Age: 21 | Profession: Indie Musician | Lives in Rooftop Studio | Status: Overworked, underpaid, emotionally burnt out]
Personality: Bright but exhausted, sensitive soul, resilient artist
Current Emotion: Near collapse
Estimated Compatibility: High (Empathy-Based Harmony)
Jiwoo tapped the screen.
"I want to meet her," he said.
---
That Night – Underground Music Lounge, Hongdae
The bar was dimly lit. Sparse tables, stage lights flickering weakly. A small crowd sat, sipping drinks, lost in thought. On the tiny wooden stage stood Seo Mirae, holding an acoustic guitar, her voice trembling as she sang.
Her lyrics weren't perfect. But they were real.
"I gave everything I had to a world that only took.
Still, I sing. Even if no one listens.
Still, I stand. Even if my knees shake."
Jiwoo listened quietly at the back, his heart tightening with every word.
This wasn't a performance.
It was a cry.
When she finished, a few people clapped. She bowed, then hurried backstage.
Jiwoo followed, waiting by the hallway. As she emerged, wiping sweat from her forehead, she nearly ran into him.
"Oh—sorry—"
"It was beautiful," he said.
She blinked. "You… liked it?"
He nodded. "You sang like someone who refuses to vanish."
Her eyes shimmered slightly. "Thank you. Most people just order another drink."
Jiwoo reached into his coat and handed her a card.
> Aurora Creative Residency
A place where artists don't starve. No deadlines. No pressure. Just creation and care.
She stared at it.
"Is this a scam?" she asked.
"No," Jiwoo said. "It's an escape. And an invitation. Come see for yourself."
He left before she could say more.
> [Candidate 5 of 7: Seo Mirae – Observation Phase Activated]
[Relationship: Cautious Hope – Level 1]
---
Midnight – Aurora Rooftop
Jiwoo stood beneath the stars again, his hands in his coat pockets.
Yoori joined him moments later. "She'll come. You always find the ones the world almost lost."
Jiwoo didn't respond right away. Then he whispered:
"I used to think I needed to scream to be seen. But now… I know silence has more power."
> [System Update: Emotional Aura Now Influences 3 Public Zones]
[Regret Levels in former contacts increased.]
Jiwoo turned a page in his golden notebook.
Now five names shimmered softly:
1. Ha Yoori – Calm Loyalty
2. Park Nayun – Early Curiosity
3. Noeun Han – Quiet Devotion
4. Eun Jihye – Unshaken Fire
5. Seo Mirae – Cautious Hope
Two circles remained.
He wasn't in a rush.
Every step was part of the peaceful path he'd chosen.
---