Three years had passed since the incident, and Kai had undergone a significant transformation. No longer the reserved and introverted individual, he had become a charismatic and renowned playboy. His confidence with the opposite had soared, and he no longer limited his interactions to those within his inner circle.

In a grand assembly at the university's student hall, the dean announced that the students qualified for a prestigious one-month transfer program. Among those named were Kim Jongin and Park Chanyeol from the medical science department, Byun Baekhyun and Oh Sehun from the engineering department – the members of EXO. The hall erupted in applause, for it was no surprise that these talented individuals were chosen to represent their university.

After the announcement, the EXO members gathered at Chanyeol's house to hang out and catch up. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Baekhyun couldn't resist making a playful jab at Kai, "Spread your wings, Kai. The most famous Casanova in Seoul National University."

Sehun chimed in, teasing, "Maybe you could cast your spell on some beauties in Busan!"

Kai laughed heartily, embracing his newfound reputation. He had come a long way from the reserved young man who once struggled with his feelings for Moonji. Now, he was open and confident, especially with attractive women.

"I'm going to charm those girls in Busan," Kai declared, raising his glass in a toast. The other EXO members cheered him on, appreciating the positive changes they had witnessed in their friend.

Kyungsoo, ever the voice of reason, suggested, "Let's enjoy the night."

With a resounding cheer from the group, Kai made his way to the dance floor, immersing himself in the pulsating music and lively crowd. It was a night to remember, a celebration of the upcoming adventure in Busan for the transfer program.

As Kai danced and enjoyed his last night in Seoul, a familiar face approached him. It was Dasom, a friend he had known for years. They had maintained a unique relationship – an open one that allowed them to date others while remaining committed to each other. After a long period of friendship, Dasom finally expressed her desire to explore a romantic relationship with Kai.

"Will you miss me, Kai?" Dasom asked with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Kai responded with his characteristic charm, "Never, I have plenty of other lovely ladies to entertain." He wrapped his arm around Dasom's waist, their open relationship allowing for such casual interactions. Tonight, it was Dasom's turn to invite him over.

As the night continued, Kai's infectious laughter and magnetic presence drew the attention of everyone around him.

✿✿✿✿✿

Later, in Busan, Kai and Chanyeol found themselves at Busan University, where a group of friendly girls greeted them after a brief visit to the dean's office.

"Welcome to Busan University," the girls said, their voices filled with warmth. They approached Kai and Chanyeol with shy smiles, extending their hands for a friendly shake. "You're Kai and Chanyeol, right?"

"That's right. I'm Chanyeol, and he is Kai," Chanyeol replied, leaning in closer to the girls, eager to engage in conversation.

The girls explained, "Today is our study day, a program that allows students to study on the grass in the university's garden. It's only allowed on Fridays, so you'll get to meet many other students there."

With the girls as their guides, Kai and Chanyeol made their way to the garden, where they were met with a welcoming atmosphere. Despite only being there for five days, they had already made a name for themselves throughout the university.

"Kai! Chanyeol! Want to join us for lunch today?" a group of boys approached them, offering friendly hugs as they extended the invitation.

"Sure! We'd love to join you guys," Kai and Chanyeol replied in unison, grabbing their backpacks as they prepared to join the group for lunch. As they got to know new people in Busan, Baekhyun and Sehun remained busy with their lab projects and robot-building endeavours.

"How's studying here?" the boys asked, sparking a lively conversation. But their conversation came to an abrupt halt as the group's attention shifted in one direction.

"What are you guys looking at?" Kai inquired between bites of his sandwich.

"Our sweetheart," one of the boys replied, his gaze fixed on a particular girl.

"Who's that?" Chanyeol wondered, his eyes widening in awe as he took in the girl's beauty.

"We don't even know her name, and she's been here for three years. She's never talked to anyone," another boy chimed in.

Kai's attention was drawn to the direction they indicated. There, he saw a girl with shoulder-length hair tied in a ponytail, dressed simply in a long-sleeve tee and jeans. Her presence captivated him, making it difficult for him to look away.

"I'll treat you to lunch for the whole month and give you a hundred dollars if you can make her talk," one of the boys dared Kai and Chanyeol, seemingly unfazed by the girl's mysterious aura.

Kai's eyes remained fixed on the girl. "What's up, Kai? Falling in love with her? That was our reaction when we first discovered her existence last year," the boys laughed together.

Kai couldn't take his eyes off her, the challenge swirling in his mind. "I'll accept your challenge, and in return, promise me you'll never set your eyes on her again," Kai stated firmly. The boys chuckled and nodded in agreement.

Kai rose from his seat and made his way toward the girl, ignoring the curious stares from those around him. He took a seat next to her, his presence drawing her attention away from her lunch.

"Long time no see, Ra Moonji," Kai's voice was calm, yet it carried an intensity that demanded her attention.

"Don't talk to me," she replied curtly and attempted to leave.

Kai refused to let her go so easily and chased after her, their brief encounter leaving him with an indescribable ache in his chest. "Are you just going to run away from me?" he called out, oblivious to the eyes fixed on him from all corners of the café.

Moonji halted her steps, turning to face Kai. "Just leave me alone, Kai," her voice was softer this time, carrying a plea that reached his ears.

But Kai couldn't simply let her go. He stepped closer to her, closing the distance between them. Moonji's face became clearer in his vision, her features illuminated by the surrounding café lights. Her ponytail swayed gently, and Kai's heart ached as he gazed into her eyes.

"Let's be friends," he implored, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.

Moonji shook her head and walked away, leaving Kai with a mixture of frustration and yearning in his heart. As she departed, she couldn't help but offer one final statement, loud enough to reach Kai's ears. "I never wished to see you again."

Kai watched her disappear into the distance, her figure gradually fading from his sight. Left alone at the table, he sighed, his emotions in turmoil.

"Wow! You know her?" the boys asked, still astonished by Kai's bold move.

Kai ran a hand through his hair and thumped the table in frustration, his emotions simmering beneath the surface. "Relax, Kai. Haven't you ever been rejected before?" Chanyeol tried to ease the tension, though Kai's icy glare deterred any further comments.

"Leave her alone. I'm warning you guys," Kai cautioned them before grabbing Chanyeol's arm, leading him away from the awkward scene.

As they walked in silence, Chanyeol dared not look directly at Kai, fearing his friend's wrath. After a long walk, they settled on a bench beneath a cherry blossom tree.

"Kai, is there anything I can do to help?" Chanyeol finally spoke, his gaze focused on his nails, avoiding Kai's intense stare.

Kai chuckled softly, his eyes revealing the torment within. "Just shut up."

With a sigh, Kai gave Chanyeol a strained smile, his eyes holding a hint of sadness, like a wounded soul seeking solace. He had been with multiple women in the past three years, but seeing Moonji again made him feel as if he had never interacted with a woman. In short, it was awkward, and his tongue was tied. 

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Moonji's voice cut through the silence, taking both Kai and Chanyeol by surprise. 

They turned to see Moonji standing before them, her presence sending ripples of tension through the air. A heavy silence hung between them, fraught with unspoken emotions, as Kai and Moonji locked eyes in a gaze that carried years of history, misunderstandings, and regrets.

Kai opened his mouth, but no words came out. He had imagined this moment countless times in the past, but now that it was here, he found himself at a loss for what to say. His mind raced, searching for the right words to bridge the chasm that had formed between them.

Moonji's expression remained guarded, her eyes revealing a mixture of emotions—pain, anger, and perhaps a glimmer of curiosity. She had carried the burden of their past interactions for years, and now she stood before Kai, unsure of what his intentions were.

Chanyeol, sensing the intensity of the moment, discreetly excused himself, giving them some privacy. He walked away, leaving Kai and Moonji alone beneath the cherry blossom tree.

Finally, Kai found his voice, breaking the silence that had stretched between them like a taut wire. "Moonji, I..." he began, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Moonji held up a hand, interrupting him. "No, Kai, let's not do this here," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "If you have something to say, we should talk in private."

Kai nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of the unspoken words and unresolved feelings that had lingered between them for far too long. "Okay," he agreed.

They chose a quieter corner of the university garden, away from the prying eyes of curious students. It was a serene spot with a small, secluded bench overlooking a pond adorned with lilies.

Once they had settled on the bench, Kai turned to face Moonji, his expression a mix of apprehension and determination. Moonji, on the other hand, remained composed but guarded.

Kai tried to find the right words, to convey all the emotions and thoughts that had been pent up for so long. "Moonji, I know I hurt you," he began, his voice soft but earnest. "I've regretted what happened between us all these years. I never meant for things to turn out the way they did."

Moonji looked at him, her eyes still carrying a hint of pain. "Kai, it's in the past," she replied, her voice gentle. "We both made mistakes, and I've moved on."

Kai's heart sank at her words, but he couldn't blame her. After all, he had left her with no choice but to move on. "I'm glad to hear that you've found some peace," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "But I want you to know that I never stopped thinking about you. You've always been on my mind, Moonji."

Moonji's guard seemed to soften, and she met his gaze with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "Kai, I can't deny that you were a big part of my life," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "But we both know that we were never meant to be. Our paths have diverged, and I've accepted that."

Kai nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "I understand," he said, though the ache in his chest remained. "I just wanted you to know that I'm truly sorry for everything, Moonji. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday."

Moonji looked at him for a moment, her eyes searching his face as if trying to discern his sincerity. Finally, she sighed and offered a small, sad smile. "Kai, forgiveness is a journey, and I think we both have a long way to go," she said softly. "But let's not dwell on the past anymore. It's time to move forward."