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Chapter 4 - The Cut and the Heartbeat Excuse

Night, at Home

Yora: "I'm back. Is there any food?"

Haein (glancing up from her books): "In the fridge. Heat it up yourself."

Yora: "Okay."

She washed her hands and headed to the microwave.

Haein: "So, where did you go?"

Yora (between bites): "Han River Park."

Haein: "Without me?"

Yora: "You were buried in assignments anyway."

Yora: "Why do you have so much work? Every time I see you, you're studying."

Haein: "No choice..."

Noticing Yora's necklace, Haein tilted her head.

Haein: "Who gave you that? You didn't have it before."

Yora (touching it): "Oh, I bought it recently."

Haein: "It's pretty."

Yora: "If I find another one, I'll get you one too." (Though I might never find it again...)

---

Yora's Room

Yora googled "Taehyung" but found no one matching him in this world.

Yora: "Then... is Jiwoo this world's Taehyung? Are they the same person? Why did I cry when I saw him? Ugh, my brain's fried! What now? Was the vision in the mirror real?"

---

One Week Later

Yora had fully adapted to this new world.

University – Last Class

Yora texted Haein:

Yora: "Done with class?"

Haein: "No, two more lectures."

Yora: "Should I go home alone?"

Haein: "Go with Junhyeok."

Yora: "Thanks, but I'd rather walk."

Instead of heading home, Yora went to a mall. While trying on clothes, the mirror flickered with another vision.

Yora: "Whoa, again?! Is that—Taehyung? Why's his hand injured? Han River again? Hey, wait—why's it gone so fast?!"

She bought the clothes, stopped by a pharmacy, and rushed to Han River.

Han River Park

Yora: "Where's the parking lot? Should've bought less stuff..."

This time, she spotted Jiwoo stepping out of a car. She sprinted over.

Yora: "Hi! Are you a taxi?"

Jiwoo: "...Huh?"

Yora: (Why did I say that?!)

Jiwoo: "You're the girl who cried last time."

Yora: "Ah... yeah, that's me."

As Jiwoo opened his mouth, Yora dropped her bags and grabbed his injured hand.

Yora: "You're hurt!"

Jiwoo: "It's nothing."

She dragged him to a bench, disinfecting and bandaging the wound while Jiwoo stared at her.

Jiwoo (inner): "Why's she helping me? What's her angle?"

Yora: "Done! Does it hurt?"

Jiwoo: "Why did you help me?"

Yora: "Just because."

Jiwoo suddenly gripped her wrist.

Jiwoo: "'Just because' you happened to run into me? 'Just because' you carry medical supplies around?"

Yora: "N-no! I ran out at home and bought more today. You saw how much stuff I got—why wouldn't I buy meds? I help you, and you accuse me?!"

Jiwoo released her when her eyes welled up.

Jiwoo: "Sorry."

Yora: "Apology accepted. Now, how about driving me home as thanks?"

Jiwoo: "Me?"

Yora: "See anyone else here?"

Grudgingly, he agreed. In the car:

Jiwoo: "Didn't anyone teach you not to get in strangers' cars?"

Yora: "You're not a stranger."

Jiwoo: "You know me?"

(Inner Yora: Crap. Think!)

Yora: "Not really. But after bumping into you twice, I remember you now."

Jiwoo: "Hmph."

The ride was silent, but Yora couldn't stop stealing glances.

At her doorstep, as Jiwoo turned to leave:

Yora: "Taehyung—?" (Dammit, not again!)

Jiwoo spun around.

Jiwoo: "That's the second time. My name is Jiwoo, not Taehyung."

Yora: "I'm Yora. Nice to meet you!"

Jiwoo: "Hope you don't confuse me with others again."

Yora: "Of course! Bye!"

---

Meanwhile – Jiwoo's Car

Jiwoo (on call with Sanghyun): "Did you pick up Kansook?"

Sanghyun: "Yeah, took him home. You done?"

Jiwoo: "Heading back."

Sanghyun: "Find anything?"

Jiwoo: "No."

Sanghyun: "Then who's 'Taehyung'?"

Jiwoo: "Nothing. Forget it."

---

Jiwoo's Apartment

Sanghyun arrived first, pouring wine. Jiwoo slumped beside him.

Jiwoo: "Is my place yours now?"

Sanghyun: "Yours is mine, mine is yours."

Noticing the bandage:

Sanghyun: "What happened to your hand?"

Jiwoo: "An accident."

Sanghyun: "Doesn't look accidental. By the way, that lead points to Seoul University."

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