Eunwoo stood on the balcony, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. He recalled the moment he reunited with Yuna. He had missed her terribly. He wouldn't let her go again. She had married Hwan in a contractual arrangement for his and Nova's career, but now, after three long months, that marriage had come to an end.
Just then, a beam of light appeared—and from it, Seonwoo emerged. But Eunwoo didn't even notice someone had appeared behind him until Seonwoo gently tapped his shoulder.
"Eunwoo, I'm here, my friend. You were so lost in thought you didn't even notice me."
Eunwoo snapped out of his daze. "Sorry, I was drifting off. Why are you here?"
Seonwoo stood in front of him with a serious expression. "I've come to deliver your final mission."
Eunwoo's brows furrowed. "It's over already? What's my last mission?"
Seonwoo took a deep breath. He was worried about how his friend would react to the task.
"You know… you were sent to Earth from the Celestial Realm to earn your crown."
Eunwoo interrupted impatiently, "Seonwoo, get to the point. I already know all that."
Clearing his throat, Seonwoo finally said, "Your final mission is… to make Yuna forget everything about you."
Eunwoo froze. The words echoed in his mind like a dagger piercing his soul.
Seonwoo stepped closer and softly asked, "Are you okay?"
Eunwoo stared at the ground, his voice barely a whisper. "She sacrificed so much for me… I can't do that to her."
Seonwoo reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box. He handed it to Eunwoo with a grave expression.
"Inside this box is a red pill. If she takes it, all her memories of you will be erased. When she wakes up, she won't remember anything."
Eunwoo's voice cracked. "And what if I don't do it?"
Seonwoo stood up straight. "If you refuse, you'll be going against the orders of the archangels. You'll lose your candidacy for the crown. And don't forget, Eunwoo… choosing love comes with a much harsher punishment."
Just as Eunwoo opened his mouth to speak, Seonwoo vanished into the light.
"You have three days to complete this mission, my friend…"
Hwan's Pain
His door had been locked for three days. The only sounds from inside were the occasional clink of empty bottles hitting the floor. The curtains were drawn, and in that dark room, time had come to a standstill.
Hwan lay on the floor, resting his head against the wall in front of the chair where Yuna used to sit. His eyes were half open, lost somewhere between past and present. The empty bottle slipped from his hand and rolled away.
Finally, his staff couldn't take it anymore—they broke down the door. Like a long overdue breath, they rushed in.
"Boss!"
"Sir, are you okay?!"
They tried to lift him onto the bed. He could barely stand. His eyes were bloodshot, his face pale. But still, he resisted. He looked at the hands reaching for him with fury.
"Get your hands off me! Who gave you permission…"
The men fell silent, avoiding his eyes.
At last, one of them lowered his head and spoke, "Sir… someone's here to see you."
Hwan turned his back with anger. "I don't want to see anyone! Get out! All of you, leave!"
Just as the door was about to close, another voice interrupted.
"Sehun is here…"
In that moment, everything stopped.
Hwan's body flinched slightly. The mention of that name brought clarity back to his cloudy eyes. He stood in silence for a few seconds, then took a deep breath. His voice was firm, though still hoarse.
"Tell him to wait five minutes… I'll be there."
The men nodded and stepped out. Hwan walked over to the mirror, slicked back his hair with his hands, and splashed cold water on his face. The room still carried Yuna's lingering lavender scent.
He went to his room, changed his clothes, and walked slowly but with determination down the stairs.
Downstairs, Sehun stood up as soon as he saw Hwan. Hwan slowed his pace, but his gaze was resolute.
"Why did you come all the way here, Sehun?" Hwan asked. His voice was tired but laced with firmness.
Sehun bowed slightly. "I called you several times, but you didn't answer. I had to tell you what I heard—face to face."
Hwan took a step closer, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "What did you hear?"
Sehun glanced around briefly, then leaned in and whispered:
"I overheard the conversation between Seonwoo and Eunwoo on the balcony… I heard everything."
At that moment, Hwan's pupils widened slightly. His expression didn't change, but something had definitely shifted within him. Silence fell between them for a few moments.
Sehun pulled back and locked eyes with Hwan.
"We should talk somewhere private," he said quietly. "What I have to say is meant for you alone."
Hwan gave a slight nod, closing his eyes for a second before opening them again.
He told his men to leave and close the door behind them.
And so, with the news Sehun brought, the weight of the night deepened further.