Converging Hearts

CHAPTER THREE POINT TWO: SNU

Sunlight streamed through the large windows of the lecture hall, casting soft patterns across the rows of desks. Professor Khynny Myggz Cuenca stood at the front, wrapping up her lecture on the cultural significance of ancient Korean artifacts. Behind her, the last slide of her PowerPoint glowed faintly on the screen, as students hastily scribbled notes.

"...and remember," she said, her voice clear and steady, "the Goryeo celadon isn't just about its beauty. It's a reflection of the values and craftsmanship of its time, which is why preserving these artifacts is so important."

The soft chime of the class bell echoed through the room, signaling the end of the lecture. Students began packing their bags, the air filled with the rustling of papers and low murmurs of conversation. Khynny glanced down at her notes, her thoughts already shifting to the afternoon's tasks, the calm academic environment a welcome escape from the chaos of the museum heist still lingering in the back of her mind.

Just as she closed her laptop, a light knock echoed from the door. Khynny looked up, her brow furrowing slightly. It was unusual to have visitors during office hours. The students, sensing something unusual, paused, their eyes drifting toward the entrance.

A man in a crisp suit stepped into the room, his presence commanding attention. The murmurs grew louder as the students exchanged curious glances. The man's demeanor was formal but not imposing—an officer.

"Professor Cuenca," he said, his tone professional but with a hint of urgency. "We need to ask you a few more questions regarding the museum incident."

A ripple of intrigue spread through the room as students whispered among themselves. Khynny could feel the shift, but her face remained composed. Beneath the surface, the weight of the heist, the unanswered questions, tugged at her thoughts.

"Of course," she replied calmly, slipping her notes into her bag. "Give me a moment."

The students, now fully intrigued, lingered at their desks, but Khynny gave them a gentle, dismissive smile. "Class is over, everyone. See you next week."

The message was clear—this wasn't their business. One by one, they filed out, though many threw curious glances over their shoulders before leaving.

The officer stood back, waiting as she gathered her things. His silence was pointed, carrying an unspoken urgency. Khynny felt a sense of unease creeping in, though she kept her movements calm and deliberate.

As she stepped into the hallway, the cool echo of her heels on the polished floor cut through the ambient noise of university life. Students chatted in small clusters, their laughter distant, a sharp contrast to the tension swirling around her. The officer led her toward the exit, his pace brisk but controlled.

"What's this about?" she asked, her voice measured as they neared the doors.

"There's been a development regarding the stolen items," he replied, his words clipped, almost wary. "We're hoping you can help us fill in some gaps."

Khynny's heart quickened. She had seen the chaos firsthand, but now there were gaps? What had they missed?

The officer pushed open the doors, and the bright sunlight hit them as they stepped outside. The fresh air did little to calm the growing tension coiling in her chest.

"There's reason to believe the heist wasn't just about the vase," the officer continued. "Some items are still missing, and we don't know why."

Khynny's mind raced. She had been so focused on protecting the Goryeo celadon that night, she hadn't considered what else might have been taken. What had she missed?

"There were... irregularities in the footage," the officer said carefully, his words hanging in the air like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Khynny's pulse quickened. Irregularities. The word lingered in her thoughts as they walked in silence, the peaceful university grounds at odds with the mounting tension in her mind. There was something bigger at play, something that went far beyond a single artifact.

The officer's quiet presence beside her onlydeepened her sense of foreboding. She wasn't just a witness to the heistanymore. She was part of something much larger, something she couldn't yetfully grasp.