THE UNKNOWN STALKER [KTH FF]

Unexpected Encounter

THE UNKNOWN STALKER PART 73...
The_seven_signs

Y/N's POV

The villa was quiet, the night humming with serenity. After my dinner, I couldn't help but feel the pull of the sea again this time, not to swim, but to simply walk. To let the gentle sound of waves accompany my thoughts.

I slipped on a soft cardigan over my dress, grabbed my clutch with my phone and pepper spray safety first, always and walked barefoot along the moonlit shore, holding my slippers in one hand. The sand was cool and damp beneath my feet, the breeze carried a light scent of salt and the distant notes of music.

The moon hung like a watchful eye above the ocean, its reflection stretching long and silver across the waves. It was peaceful. A kind of peace I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever.

Further down the shoreline, I spotted it a cozy little bar shack nestled near the rocks. Its faint yellow lights glowed like a beacon, and the scent of grilled seafood teased my senses with every passing step.

I made my way there without much thought. There was something incredibly tempting about the idea of fresh oysters, warm clams, and a cold bottle of soju. A simple pleasure for a mind far too full.

I placed my order, humming quietly as I picked the most secluded table one with a perfect view of the sea. I didn't care who else was around. My eyes stayed locked on the horizon, watching the moonlight flicker across the restless tide. The chatter of others faded into the background, as if I were in my own little bubble of stillness.

I exhaled slowly, letting the ocean's beauty sink into my bones.

Then I felt it a gentle tap on my shoulder.

Assuming it was the server, I turned around, smiling warmly... only for the breath in my lungs to catch mid-exhale.

He stood there.

Tall. Tanned. Familiar.

The soft yellow light from the bar spilled onto his face, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw and the soft curve of his smile. His eyes held the same glint gentle, thoughtful, him. A mix of warmth and surprise danced across his expression, mirroring my own stunned stillness.

My smile faltered, not out of pain not yet but disbelief. And there he was, just looking at me like he was seeing something he wasn't sure was real.

Like fate had taken the reins in its hands again.

"Y/N..."

The sound of my name falling from his lips made the air still. It was as if the world held its breath and so did I. My lungs tightened, my heart stilled, and in a blink, memories from the past came crashing down like an avalanche.

I turned fully to face him, voice barely a whisper, "Seokjin..."

His smile deepened, soft and warm, holding a sense of familiarity I hadn't felt in so long. My mind was too stunned to string together any words, so when he asked, "Is this seat taken?" I only nodded silently. My voice had abandoned me, just like he once did.

He pulled the chair gently and settled across from me. A few moments ago, all I could see was the beautiful sea under the moonlight now all I could see was him. His face, illuminated by the soft glow of the bar lights, made the waves behind him disappear. It was almost surreal.

He tilted his head, eyes curious. "What are you doing here all by yourself, in Jeju?"

I hesitated. His voice felt too familiar. Too comforting. It had been six months, hadn't it? The last time I saw him... was with him. Jimin.