“He doesn’t answer… What do I do?” she whispered, her voice breaking.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Then came the banging.
BANG! BANG!
Angel jumped back, her knees buckling. The sound of fists pounding on her door mixed with the shrill beeps of the lock made her blood run cold. Whoever was out there wasn’t giving up.
“Oh no, no, no…” Her mind raced. "Yoonho! I can call Yoonho—!" But then she froze. She didn’t have his number.
“I shouldn’t have just given him mine,” she muttered in despair. “I should’ve gotten his too…”
Chanwoo? No, impossible. He always turned his phone off in the practice room.
Angel’s heart shriveled in her chest. She curled in on herself, trembling—until her gaze fell on the shoe rack by the door. The note.
“Mr. Landlord!”
She scrambled forward, snatched the paper, and typed the number with shaking hands.
“Hurry, hurry—phone, hurry!”
Her thumb slammed down on the dial button. The ringing barely lasted two seconds before a voice answered.
“Hello?”
Relief surged through her so strong she almost cried. “Hello! This is Room 302! Please help me!”
A beat of silence, then a familiar lilt. “302? Oh! Housebreaking— I mean, Miss Angel? What’s the matt—”
Angel’s voice cracked. “Someone keeps pressing my doorlock button! And now he’s banging on my door! Please help me!”
His tone sharpened instantly. “I’ll be there now. Don’t open the door, stay inside!”
Her heart thumped in her throat.
And less than five minutes later, heavy footsteps echoed in the hall. A voice cut through the chaos, cold and stern.
“What are you doing here?” It was Heejae.
“Th-this wouldn’t open! You @!$#%!” a slurred voice yelled outside.
Angel froze, then heard Heejae’s sharp tone cut through the air.
“Uh-oh. No, don’t pass out! Get up!”
Her heart pounded. That’s the house owner’s voice!
“Nooo! This is myyyy hoooouse~!” the drunk man wailed, stumbling against the door.
Heejae’s tone grew clipped, professional. “Hello? This is M Apartment, Block 206. A drunk man is causing trouble. Yes. Please hurry, thank you.”
Angel clutched her chest, trembling. “What’s going on…? E-excuse me! Is it Mister… Landlord?”
Her voice carried through the door.
“Don’t open the door,” Heejae ordered firmly. “Just stay inside. I’ll go to the police station and come back.”
“Y-yes, yes…” Angel whispered, pressing her back against the wall.
Moments later, unfamiliar voices joined in—police officers speaking with Heejae, muffled through the door. Then, silence.
Angel sat on the floor, hugging her knees. The silence stretched into an hour, her nerves raw with every creak and distant sound.
Then— ding dong.
Her head shot up.
“Who is it?!”
“It’s me. Heejae Han.”
Angel leapt to her feet, rushed to the door, and opened it with shaky hands.
Heejae stood there, a little windblown, eyes sharp with concern.
“Are you all right?” he asked immediately, scanning her face.
Angel nodded quickly. “Yes, I’m all right now… But—what happened? Who was it?”
Heejae exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “Not someone from our apartment.”
Angel blinked. “…What?”
Heejae’s expression was firm, though his voice carried a note of reassurance.
“He was totally drunk…”
Angel blinked, her heart still racing from earlier. “So he came to the wrong door because he was drunk?”
Her words wavered between disbelief and relief. It wasn’t much different from her own past mistakes, but this time—this time she had been truly terrified. The sound of someone repeatedly pressing her password lock had made her blood run cold.
“The police took him to the station,” Heejae continued. “They checked his ID, ran a record search. They’ll notify me once he’s sober enough to explain himself.”
Angel let out a shaky breath. “Oh… thank you. For coming so quickly when I called.”
He shook his head. “No, it’s my job.”
Angel swallowed hard, remembering the panic in her chest, how her mind had gone blank. She hadn’t even thought of calling the police herself. She had only known one thing—that she was scared, and that Heejae was the only one who could help.
“You must have been very surprised,” he said softly. “I’m sorry.”
Her brows furrowed. “Why should you be sorry?”
“In a sense, it’s my fault for not keeping this area safe,” he replied, his tone heavier now. “I’ve already told the police to step up patrols around here.”
Her lips parted, a quiet warmth curling in her chest. “Thank you…”
“That’s my job as well,” he said again, steady as always.
The wind picked up between them, tousling his dark hair. Angel’s eyes lingered on it before she even realized, the mess of strands so unlike his usual neat self. Almost without thinking, her hand lifted toward him.
“Your hair…” she murmured.
He looked at her. “Yes?”
Her fingers hovered just inches away, her pulse stuttering. Only then did she realize what she was about to do. Touching his hair—how bold, how rude that would be.
“Oh—” Angel’s breath caught as she froze midair, her hand suspended awkwardly.
Heejae tilted his head, his gaze steady on hers. “What’s wrong?”
“Your hair got ruffled… right here,” Angel said softly, her hand hesitating as she gestured toward the stubborn strands on his temple.
Heejae brushed a hand over it with a faint smile. “Hair? Ah—it must be because I ran here.”
Angel’s breath caught for a moment. He ran? He must have rushed all the way here the moment she called him…
“I’ll be going,” Heejae said, straightening as if to remind himself of his duty. “Call me if you run into any more trouble.”
He turned, footsteps already carrying him away.
“Umm… Excuse me!” Angel blurted before she could stop herself.
He paused and glanced back. “Yes?”
Her heart thudded. Why did she say that? Still, she forced the words out, stumbling over them. “Would you… like an ice cream?”
His brows rose slightly. “Ice cream?”
Angel nodded quickly, clutching her hands together. “I really wanted to thank you for helping me. And I—I was about to go to the convenience store anyway…”
For a brief second, she thought he might actually say yes. But then he gave her an apologetic smile. “Ah, I’m sorry. I’d like to have one, but I rushed out while I was working. I’ll have to go back.”
Angel blinked. “Y-You were working?”
The thought startled her. He wasn’t just nearby by coincidence—he had left his post just to come when she called.
“Then…” she stammered, a mix of guilt and awe creeping into her voice, “you went AWOL?”
Heejae tilted his head. “AWOL? Absence without leave?”
“I mean…” Angel began, but her words trailed off uncertainly.
Heejae only gave her a mysterious smile, as if amused by her flustered state. He thought for a moment, then said, “Would you like to come with me?”
Her eyes widened. “Huh? What?”
“I get off work soon,” he explained simply.
Before she could fully process what that meant, Angel found herself following him, her nerves tingling with curiosity.
They arrived at a café tucked away on a quiet street. Angel blinked in surprise, her lips parting. “Oh? I’ve been here before!”
The pretty little café glowed warmly under its strings of fairy lights, transforming the otherwise empty space into something almost magical. It was the same café she had visited with Chanwoo the other day, and yet somehow it felt different now—cozier, softer.
“Do you… do part-time work here?” she asked as they reached the entrance. “Last time I came, someone else was behind the counter.”
Heejae glanced at her with a hint of amusement. “Oh, you’ve been to my café. I usually work here on weekends.”
Her brow furrowed. “But… aren’t you going to get scolded? You just left during your shift.”
“I’m not going to get scolded.” Heejae’s tone was calm, almost too calm, as he pushed open the café door.
Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, “Ah… come to think of it, I didn’t even lock the door when I rushed out.”
Angel’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. He didn’t lock the door?! “A-Are you sure you’re going to be fine?!” she cried. “Your boss will fire you once he finds out!”
“Yes. I am. I’ll be fine.” He glanced back at her, the corners of his lips twitching. “I’m the owner.”
“What?” she blurted, staring at him.
“It’s a joke.”
Angel narrowed her eyes at him, pouting slightly. “…I didn’t believe you anyway.”
“To be exact,” Heejae said as he held the door open for her, “my father is the owner.”
Her jaw dropped. “What?! Then that’s the same as being the owner!”
He shook his head with that same calm smile. “No, it’s not. My father is the owner, and I’m just an employee. Come in.”
Angel stepped into the café, her eyes widening as she took in the cozy space once more. The warm lights above the counter glimmered like starlight, reflecting off polished wood and empty glass jars. She still couldn’t quite believe it—his father owned both this café and an apartment. It’s like something out of a movie… he must be crazy rich, she thought, almost dazed.
“I’ll quickly tidy up here,” Heejae said, rolling up his sleeves with casual ease. “Sit down anywhere you like.”
“Yes…” Angel replied softly, still half-distracted by the thought.
She chose a chair near the counter, where she could watch him move about the café. Every action of his was neat, practiced, as though tidying this place was second nature.
“Do you work here only on weekends?” she asked curiously.
“Normally, yes.”
Angel folded her hands on her lap, studying him from across the room. He’s a diligent young master from a wealthy family, she mused. It made him feel even more out of reach somehow.
He glanced back at her. “Are you thirsty? Do you want juice? The coffee machine is already off.”
She shook her head with a small smile. “It’s okay. I’ll have an ice cream later.”
“Okay.”
While she watched him rearrange chairs and wipe down the counter, the words slipped out before she could stop them.
“By the way… come to think of it, I did the same thing last time.”
He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Did what?”
Her cheeks warmed as she fidgeted in her seat. “You must’ve been surprised that day. I made a scene at Joowon’s door, remember? I made the same mistake as that drunk man earlier…”
“Ah, that day,” he said, recalling it instantly.
“Yes…” she murmured, bracing herself for the teasing she was sure would follow.
But instead, Heejae’s expression softened. “Hmm… I was surprised, but I don’t think it was as serious as what you must’ve felt today.”
Angel blinked. That wasn’t the answer she had expected at all.
“You’re a girl living alone,” he continued, his tone calm and sincere. “And there are so many bad people nowadays. Of course you’d be scared. That’s why… I’m sorry. For not taking better care of our apartment.”
Angel stared at him, words caught in her throat. Slowly, a small, incredulous smile tugged at her lips. “I’m… quite surprised,” she whispered.
Angel had been so sure he would tease her again, like he always did. But instead, his expression softened.
“If something happens, just call me,” Heejae said quietly. “It’s your first time living alone, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “Yes…”
“Then call me anytime if you find anything difficult. I’ll help you.”
Her chest tightened unexpectedly, and she lowered her gaze to hide the sudden warmth spreading in her heart. “Thank you.”
That cheeky side of him… and this sensitive, sweet side—
Which one was his real self? Angel couldn’t tell. He was a fascinating person, more complex than she’d imagined.
Later, after buying ice cream at the convenience store, they walked side by side down the quiet street. The glow of the streetlights stretched their shadows across the pavement.
“Thank you for this,” Heejae said, holding the small cup of ice cream she had insisted on buying.
“You’re welcome,” Angel replied, smiling faintly.
On their way back toward the apartment, Heejae suddenly slowed, glancing at her as if he’d just remembered something important.
“Ah, and…” he began, his voice thoughtful. “I have to apologize for something.”
Angel tilted her head. “Apologize?”
“That day when your parents came,” he said carefully, “you told me not to mention the housebreaking incident.”
“Oh! That one!” Angel exclaimed, stopping mid-step.
“Yes?” He looked at her with mild curiosity.
Her lips twisted into a half-pout, half-smile. “That day, I really wanted to pinch you. Really hard.”
A chuckle escaped him. “I don’t think a pinch would be enough.”
She laughed softly, though her cheeks still burned at the memory. “I had such a hard time changing the subject. You almost got me caught.”
His smile faded into something more sincere. “I’m really sorry. I realized right after I said it. It seemed like it wasn’t easy for you to get your parents’ permission to live alone.”
Angel froze, her eyes widening slightly. “How did you know that…? I don’t think you really talked to my parents that day.”
For a moment, Heejae’s gaze softened, distant, as though looking at someone beyond her. His voice dropped, quiet and almost wistful.
“She reminds me of someone,” he murmured. “Yes, she does…”
Who might that be? Angel wondered, staring at him curiously. But something in his expression told her he wouldn’t answer, at least not now. So she decided not to push the question.
“Anyway, okay,” she said lightly, brushing it aside.
Heejae turned to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “By the way, till when are you going to keep calling me Mr. Landlord?”
Angel blinked. “Did I call you like that?”
“Yes, you did,” he replied with mock seriousness. “We take the same class, and we’re going to see each other quite often. Mister Landlord is quite… haha.”
She pursed her lips to hide a smile. “Umm, then… Heejae?”
“That’s much better than Mister Landlord.”
Angel tilted her head, lips curling into a teasing grin. “Hmm. But Mister Landlord is more catchy, you know.”
The urge to poke at him a little more bubbled up inside her. “Then… can I call you Lord Heejae?”
Heejae froze, staring at her in disbelief before breaking into laughter. “Then I’ll call you Housebreaker Angel.”
Angel gasped dramatically. “Woah—really! You’re going to tease me forever with that, huh?”
“You wrote on the memo pad that you’d stop teasing me!” she added accusingly.
“If you call me properly, I’ll stop too,” he countered, eyes glinting with playful challenge.
“Mister Heejae!” she declared, standing tall as if that settled everything. “There. It’s done now, right?”
“Yeah, sort of,” he said with a shrug, clearly not fully satisfied. Then, his tone softened, more genuine. “Oh, and you can treat me like a friend. You’re in the same major as Joowon, right? He’s younger than me, but he just calls me by my name.”
Angel blinked. “You’re older than Joowon?!”
“Yes,” Heejae said casually.
“Oh…!” Angel’s eyes widened. She had always assumed they were the same age. Somehow, knowing he was older changed the way she looked at him—just a little.
“Please just call me Angel,” she said firmly, her lips curling into a pout. “And not Housebreaker.”
“All right,” Heejae said easily.
Angel hesitated before adding, “But… I don’t think I can treat you like a friend yet.”
His brows lifted slightly. “Why not?”
“Because I’m not that close to you, and…” she fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, “you’re older than me.”
“Why does that matter?” he pressed, a trace of genuine curiosity in his voice.
“Umm… because pretending to be close with someone feels more awkward,” Angel explained.
“I thought we’d get closer quickly if we treated each other like friends,” Heejae replied, tilting his head as if trying to puzzle her out.
“Well, some people find it difficult to do so,” she countered, cheeks warming under his gaze.
He nodded thoughtfully, then said, “Hmm… then, let’s get close. Slowly.”
Angel glanced at him sidelong, the corners of her lips tugging upward. “It seems like you want to get closer with me.”
She meant it playfully, expecting him to deflect with another teasing remark. But instead, his expression stayed calm, earnest.
“Yes,” Heejae said simply. “That’s right. I want to get close to you.”
Angel’s breath caught. “…You admit things very quickly.”
His eyes softened. “How about you?”
“Me? I…” She had been about to joke, to say not really!—but the words stuck in her throat.
“Oh—the wind,” she blurted instead, distracted by the sudden night breeze that ruffled his hair again.
Heejae lifted a hand to his head, then glanced at her. “It’s quite chilly at night. Do you want to wear my cardigan?”
Angel’s heart gave a small, startled flutter. She shook her head quickly. “…It’s not that cold.”
She didn’t think this was the moment for a joke. Instead, she drew in a quiet breath and admitted softly, “I think it’s nice… getting close to each other, slowly.”
Heejae’s lips curved into a rare, satisfied smile. “Agreement made.”
“That’s right,” Angel echoed, a smile sneaking onto her own face. “Agreement made!”
Without thinking, she held out her fist, the way she always did with Jiyoon. But as soon as she did, she froze. Oops… this isn’t Jiyoon.
Her hand hung awkwardly in the air, until Heejae looked down at it, then gave a quiet chuckle. With a deliberate motion, he bumped his fist gently against hers.
“Let’s make it work,” he said softly. “Slowly.”
“Yes. Let’s make this work,” Angel said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her gaze drifted downward, landing on their hands—her small fist still lightly pressed against his. Something about the simple gesture made her chest feel strangely full, though she couldn’t explain why.
She nodded, once, twice… as if agreeing to something she didn’t quite understand herself. Still, the motion felt right.
Heejae didn’t say anything more, only watched her with that calm, steady look of his, as though her quiet nod meant more than words ever could.
And Angel, though she wasn’t sure why, found herself nodding again.
The first weekend of the new semester slipped by too quickly, and Monday crept back again.
Inside the lecture room, Angel slumped over her desk, her cheek pressed against the cool surface.
“Yes, it’s the second semester… I liked the first week,” she muttered, voice muffled by her arms. “It was so leisurely…”
Beside her, Jiyoon groaned dramatically, dropping her bag with a thud. “Ha… I shouldn’t have registered any classes on Mondays.”
Angel lifted her head just enough to give her friend a tired look. “Yeah… What’s the point of having no classes on Thursdays? I can’t even rest well.”
Her phone buzzed. Angel blinked, straightening up. A notification glowed on her screen. Huh? A text message? She unlocked it, eyes widening. "It’s Joowon!"
“Joowon?” Jiyoon peeked over curiously.
Angel’s lips tugged into a small smile as she tapped a quick reply. "Hi Joowon!"
Almost immediately, another message appeared.
"Are you on campus?"
“Yes… I’m having a lecture now,” Angel typed back quickly, glancing at the front of the classroom to make sure the professor hadn’t noticed her phone under the desk.
Joowon’s reply came almost instantly.
"Are you free during lunch time today?"
Angel blinked. "Lunch? Today?"
Before she could respond, Jiyoon leaned over, curious eyes narrowing. “What is it??” She bent further, practically hanging over Angel’s shoulder.
Angel tried to cover her screen, but it was too late.
“Joowon…?” Jiyoon gasped dramatically. “You text him? And he’s asking if you’re free during lunch! Oh-ho! You’re having lunch with him!”
“Don’t look at my phone!” Angel hissed, her cheeks warming.
Still, the memory flickered in her mind—how Joowon had handed her his bag and phone after the party, trusting her with them. Today, he was keeping his promise to treat her to lunch in return.
Jiyoon gave a smug little grin. “Okay, okay, then I’ll let you off. Text him back and say you’re free today.”
Angel squinted at her. “Who are you going to have lunch with?”
“You’re worrying that I’ll be eating alone?” Jiyoon laughed. “Don’t. I’ll eat with Jeongmin and Seonhee. Now text him! Quick!”
Angel groaned, but her fingers were already typing. “I’m the one he’s buying lunch, yet you’re more excited than I am.Yes! I’m free this afternoon!” With a quick tap, she sent:
Joowon’s reply popped up almost immediately. "I’ll buy you lunch. I promised I would."
Angel’s lips curved upward despite herself. She typed back with a little flourish: "Yup yup!! :3 Where are you?"
"History building. u?"
Angel’s eyes lit up when she read Joowon’s text. She quickly thumbed a reply.
"Oh! Me too."
"Then let’s meet in front of the building after the lecture."
Her heart gave a tiny skip.
"Yes! See u later :)"
Beside her, Jiyoon hummed suspiciously.
Angel groaned. “Hey, stop giving me that look.”
“Nooo…” Jiyoon drawled, a grin tugging at her lips.
“Tsk, tsk.” Angel shook her head, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. Jiyoon was always trying to hook her up with someone. This time was no different. Still, Angel couldn’t help but wonder—would it be awkward, just the two of them eating together?
Well, it’s not like this is the first time. They had a beer together last time… She fiddled with her pen. But why do Angel feel… a little nervous?
Three hours later, at the History Building
Angel spotted him immediately.
“Joowon!” she called, raising her hand slightly.
He turned, his expression brightening. “Oh, you’re here.”
She jogged the last few steps toward him. “Did you wait long?”
“My class just finished as well,” Joowon said as they fell into step beside each other. “What do you want to eat?”
Angel hesitated, clutching the strap of her bag. “Umm… do you dislike anything in particular?”
“Not really.”
“Then… is there something you can’t eat?”
“Peaches,” he replied without hesitation.
“Peaches?” Angel blinked up at him.
“Yes. I’m allergic to them. I’m fine with anything other than that.”
Angel tilted her head. Oh… he’s allergic to peaches. "I know a few people who have that, but still…"
Joowon gave a small shrug. “Yeah. Some people are allergic to peaches. Do you want to eat anything in particular?”
Angel pressed her lips together, thinking. “Umm… I want to have something with rice.”
“Rice?” His tone held a faint amusement.
“Rice, soup, and some side dishes,” she explained. “I don’t really eat well at home.”
“Then how about home-style meals?”
Her face brightened. “Yes. Korean or Japanese, I don’t mind either!”
“Then…” Joowon smiled, tilting his head toward the street ahead. “How about a Japanese home-style place? A new restaurant opened near campus.”
“Yes. Let’s go there,” Angel said with a small nod, ready to follow Joowon.
But just as they were leaving the building, a voice rang out behind her.
“Angel!”
She froze. That voice—familiar. When she turned, Yoonho was jogging up to her with a broad smile.
“Yoonho?” she blinked.
“Angel, do you take a class here too?”
“Yes. And y—”
“Yoonho?”
The interruption came from behind her. Joowon, who had been quietly waiting, stepped forward. He gave Yoonho a brief nod.
“Oh, Joowon! Hi!” Yoonho’s face lit up even more.
“It’s the first time seeing you at school,” Joowon said evenly.
Angel glanced between the two of them. “Do you guys… know each other?”
Joowon answered first. “Oh, yes. When you banged on my door that day, completely drunk, we were all there. Even Heejae.”
Angel groaned. "What a memory we all share…'
“I haven’t seen you since I went to your door to give you rice cakes last time,” Yoonho added.
Joowon nodded, his lips curving slightly. “Yeah, it was really good, by the way. Delicious.”
Angel’s eyes flicked between them again. And they look… rather close, don’t they?
“So your class is over now, right? What about lunch?” Joowon asked smoothly, turning the conversation back to her.