Moonbound: A Love Across Lifetimes

Same place

Jae

"Sir," Justin said, causing Jae to turn his head.

"Mr. Lee asked if he could make an appointment with you," Justin continued.

Jae simply waved his hand. "Okay," he replied with a nod. He gave a slight bow, signaling his dismissal.

Left alone, Jae turned back to the window. The rain outside fell in steady sheets, a dull gray curtain against the glass. He let out a slow breath. She hated the rain.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he remembered her—her voice, her laughter, the way she'd wrinkle her nose when droplets splattered on her hair. The ache in his chest grew sharper, and he closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temple, trying to shove the memories back where they belonged.

"Sir?" Justin's voice broke into his thoughts again. Jae opened his eyes and glanced over his shoulder.

"The car is ready," Justin said. Jae nodded, rising from his seat. They made their way toward the private elevator, the one reserved for him. He hated crowds, hated the noise and attention that came with them.

But halfway there, Justin paused, glancing at his phone. "I'm sorry, sir... the private elevator is under maintenance. We'll need to use the main one."

Jae's brows knitted. "Under maintenance? That elevator is only used by us."

Justin bowed his head apologetically. "I'm not sure why, sir."

With a faint scoff, Jae adjusted his coat and strode toward the main elevator instead. Justin followed in silence.

******

"Yah! Are you sure this is the building?" I asked, staring up in disbelief—my goodness. I knew Bom's parents were rich, but I didn't realize this rich.

We were standing in front of the Hanyu Building—one of the most luxurious residential towers in the city. This was where Bom's new condo unit was located. Starting today, I'll be living with her here.

Bom had sprung the news on me just last night, after we stumbled back from the bar.

*******

[FLASHBACK]

"I'm tired!" Bom groaned, flopping dramatically onto her bed. I shook my head.

"How can you not be tired? You danced like there was no tomorrow."

Since it was late, she'd dragged me back to her house with the excuse that she'd be "lonely" without company. Typical Bom.

"You know," she mumbled into her pillow, "I've been thinking about living in my own place."

I blinked. "Didn't your parents say no to that a hundred times already?"

She sat up, grinning mischievously. "Guess what? I convinced them. They bought me a unit!"

My jaw dropped. Unbelievable.

"But Bom... you can't even cook," I muttered.

"Pssh, takeout and instant noodles exist for a reason," she said, waving me off.

I gave her a flat look. "That's not healthy."

"Fine, then! I'll just hire maids. Problem solved."

I groaned. "You're impossible."

Her grin widened. "Not really. Because I won't be alone. You're moving in with me."

I froze. "Wait—what?"

"My parents said yes on the condition that I live with someone they trust. And guess who they trust more than anyone? You, Dara Parks." She pointed at me triumphantly.

I buried my face in my hands. "Bom..."

"Come on, Dara! You'll save money. No more paying rent to some cranky landlady for a dusty shoebox apartment."

I sighed in defeat. "Fine. When?"

"After finals," she said smugly.

[END FLASHBACK]

Now here we were, standing at the glittering glass entrance of the building.

"Uh-huh... Dad really followed through," Bom said proudly, tossing her hair as she led the way.

"Bom, are you sure this is really the place?" I asked again, still stunned.

She whipped out a document and shoved it at me. "See? Proof. Don't doubt me, Dara Parks!"

Before I could respond, a polite voice interrupted.

"Ah, I assume you're Miss Parks?"

We turned to find a tall, well-dressed young man smiling at us.

"Yes! I am the adorable, beautiful Bom Parks!" she declared.

The man chuckled softly. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Oh Sehun, and I'll be assisting you to your new unit today."

"Omo! They really hire such handsome employees here?" Bom squealed, latching onto his arm. I sighed. Here we go again...

"Come on, Dara!" she called, dragging Sehun toward the elevators. I followed, still awestruck by the elegance of the lobby—the gleaming marble floors, the massive chandelier, the grand paintings lining the walls.

"This feels like another world," I whispered to myself.

Meanwhile, Justin had made sure the elevator was cleared. Jae stepped out first, his sharp eyes scanning the grand reception hall. Just like at the bar that night, his gaze searched the crowd with a quiet intensity.

"Sir?" Justin asked softly. Jae's lips parted. "She's here."

Before Justin could ask, Jae strode forward—only to suddenly halt when someone bumped into him.