Chapter 3: “You, again!?”

"Your life is in danger."

Ananya groaned, plopping down on her bed. She had been trying to push the irrational thoughts aside, to focus on her present. She had chores to do, a life to live, people to love, and goals to chase. But there was no way she would be able to do any of it right now – not with a million thoughts racing in her mind. 

After spending hours tossing, turning, and struggling with those thoughts; she finally nodded off to sleep – the pile of chores remaining just as is, a reminder of yet another day spent without seeing it through.

Ananya felt a sense of relief wash over her as she walked into her first lecture the next day. The familiar surroundings of the campus felt like a welcome change after the unsettling encounter last evening. She took a deep breath, trying to focus on the task at hand – her academics.

The lectures passed in a blur, her thoughts constantly drifting to that mysterious man, much to her dismay. Who was Jung-wook, really? Why did he seem so familiar, yet so foreign? And most importantly, what did he mean when he claimed that her life was in danger? 

Ananya shook her head, trying to concentrate on the professor's words – but in vain. She just couldn't shake off the strange feeling that had settled in her chest since she met Jung-wook.

"Rough day?" Dae-jung turned to her as the lecture ended, noticing the contemplative look on her face. She shrugged with a meek smile, wondering how much to let on since she wasn't quite sure about anything herself.

"Not really. Just had a lot on my mind, I guess."

Dae-jung's presence was warm, an oft-kind influence on her overwhelming thoughts. She glanced at him, recalling the numerous times he had stood up for her. From confronting the seniors who made snide remarks about her accent to ensuring her ideas don't get dismissed or her contributions unacknowledged – he had always been by her, helping and supporting her every step of the way since the day they met. 

"What happened?" His voice took her out of the reverie, eyebrows furrowed in concern. 

"I ran into this stranger near my new place. He seemed to know a lot about me, but I had no idea who he was. It was… a little unnerving."

Dae-jung leaned closer, his protective instincts seeming to kick in, "Did he threaten you or anything?"

Ananya chuckled, shaking her head, "No no, nothing like that. He just… said some strange things. I cannot really explain it, but it left me feeling a tad bit unsettled."

Dae-jung's eyes softened. "If you come across him again or ever feel unsafe, you know you can call me, right? Anytime, anywhere."

"There's just so much going on. New job, weird encounters, and then there's you."

Giving Ananya a playful nudge, he chuckled softly, "Me? What did I even do?" She laughed, shaking her head. "Nothing bad, don't worry. It's just that... you are always there for me. And I appreciate it more than you will ever know."

He smiled warmly, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Shhh, I know."

"What did I miss?" Ji-yeon chirped in, her hands clutching onto the iced coffee that she bought for the three of them. As they sat there, sharing coffee and fun conversations, Ananya felt a sense of peace and calm. Despite that shadow of uncertainty, moments like these that made everything seem worthwhile.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and assignments. While her thoughts occasionally drifted back to Jung-wook, she managed to zone in on her studies. Her goodbyes were short-lived that evening as she remembered her new job – it was almost time for her first shift. 

She made her way to the convenience store, freezing in her tracks upon seeing the all-too familiar figure standing behind the counter, his face lit with a rather smug smile. 

The scream left her throat before she even realised. "You, again!?"