Chapter 4

The encounter across the two high-rise towers kept Arya awake for hours. However, when dawn broke over Seoul, her disciplined morning routine took over.

Back home in Kerala, her mornings always began early. No matter how modern or luxurious her new apartment was, she wasn't about to give up her sadhakam—the daily vocal and dance practice that kept her connected to her roots.

As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Apartment 1802, Arya tied her long, thick hair into a loose bun. Sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat, she closed her eyes and began her vocal warm-ups.

A soft, soothing melody filled the apartment as she practiced classical ragas before moving into a gentle kriti.

After finishing her singing practice, she stood up and tied the chilanka around her ankles. The tiny bells echoed across the room as she gracefully practiced her classical dance steps.

Tha-thai-thath-tha-m...

Her movements were elegant, graceful, and full of confidence—a beautiful contrast to the busy city outside.

Once she finished practicing, it was time for her favorite weekend ritual.

Hair care.

The dry Korean weather wasn't kind to her long hair, so she carefully opened a small bottle filled with homemade herbal oil prepared by her mother back in Kerala. It was made with virgin coconut oil, hibiscus, and fenugreek leaves.

Smiling softly, Arya applied the fragrant oil generously to her scalp before gently working it through the entire length of her hair until every strand glistened.

Wanting some fresh air while the oil settled, she stepped onto her spacious balcony.

The cool morning breeze brushed against her face as she leaned comfortably against the railing.

She had completely forgotten how unusual she must have looked—with her hair shining with herbal oil and carrying the unmistakable fragrance of coconut and fresh herbs.

"Are you trying to deep-fry your hair... or is this some special beauty treatment?"

The calm, deep voice suddenly broke the morning silence.

Arya gasped.

She turned around so quickly that she nearly lost her balance.

Across the courtyard, standing on the penthouse balcony, was Kang Ji-Hoon.

Instead of his usual formal suit, he was dressed in a simple black silk shirt, holding a porcelain cup of coffee in one hand.

His sharp eyes were fixed on her.

For the first time...

There was the faintest hint of amusement in them.

Arya felt her face burn with embarrassment.

"Eashwara... what is happening?"

Instinctively, she tried to smooth down her oily hair, only making it look even shinier.

Remembering Nurse Choi's warning, Arya quickly forced herself to remain calm.

She pretended not to recognize him.

"Excuse me... Annyeonghaseyo. I think you have the wrong person."

Ji-Hoon raised one eyebrow.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Acting like a stranger now?"

He took a slow sip from his coffee.

"You weren't this quiet on that rainy night."

His eyes briefly moved toward her hair.

"And what is that smell? I could smell it all the way from here."

Realizing there was no point pretending anymore, Arya sighed.

"It's not strange," she replied, lifting her chin proudly.

"For your information, this is homemade herbal hair oil from Kerala. My mother prepared it herself. It's completely natural and keeps my hair healthy."

Ji-Hoon looked at her quietly.

There was no judgment in his eyes.

Only curiosity.

"You seem very confident."

He tilted his head slightly.

"Hangugmal jalhaeyo?"

Arya smiled proudly.

"Jogeum hal su isseoyo. I can speak a little Korean... but I understand almost everything. I study at a university here."

For a brief moment, Ji-Hoon simply watched her.

She was unlike anyone he had ever met.

Most people lowered their heads or became nervous in his presence.

But Arya argued with him...

Defended herself...

And spoke honestly without fear.

To him, she was like a splash of color in a world that had always been black and white.

"A university student who walks through dark alleys..." he said calmly.

"...and puts herbal oil all over her hair."

A tiny smile appeared on his face.

"Interesting."

Arya folded her arms.

"It's hair oil, not cooking oil."

Before Ji-Hoon could reply, the apartment intercom suddenly rang.

"Customer, your delivery has arrived."

Arya blinked in surprise.

"Oh!"

She looked toward the living room before turning back to Ji-Hoon.

Suddenly, she became painfully aware of how she looked.

Standing there with oil-covered hair while talking to the mysterious man she couldn't stop thinking about...

Her embarrassment doubled.

"I... I have to go. My delivery is here."

Without waiting for his reply, she hurried back inside and quickly closed the balcony door.

Leaning against the glass, she took a deep breath and covered her face with both hands.

"What a morning..."

Behind the sheer curtains, she quietly glanced outside.

Ji-Hoon was still standing on his balcony.

For a few silent moments, he looked toward her now-empty balcony before calmly turning around and walking back inside.

Arya let out a long sigh.

She had moved into this luxury apartment hoping for a peaceful new beginning.

Instead...

She had unknowingly become the neighbor of the one man she had promised herself to forget.

(To be continued....)

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