Kai remained rooted to his spot, his eyes tracking Moonji's slow departure. He watched her carefully, noting the stark differences from the Ra Moonji he used to know. The girl who had once been full of energy and cheerfulness had transformed. Her steps were hesitant, and she seemed to avoid making eye contact with anyone who passed her by. The lack of confidence in her voice was palpable, and her overall demeanour appeared fragile.

As he reflected on his unkind words and actions towards her, Kai couldn't help but feel responsible for her diminished self-assurance. He had belittled her repeatedly and allowed his friends to make fun of her, contributing to her deteriorating self-esteem.

Beside him, Chanyeol, his loyal friend, coughed subtly and then sat down, his gaze lingering on the path Moonji had taken.

"So, that was the Ra Moonji we used to know?" Chanyeol inquired, his eyes scanning the surroundings, perhaps searching for any sign of the girl.

Kai nodded solemnly. "Yeah."

Concern laced Chanyeol's voice as he wrapped his arm around Kai's shoulder. "Are you okay, bro? You seem bothered."

Kai tried to dismiss his unease, muttering, "I'm not... I'm just glad to have seen her again." His words didn't reflect the turmoil inside him. He knew he had inflicted pain on Moonji, even if their relationship had never officially begun. The memory of her tear-streaked face haunted him, and that was why he had never actively sought her out. He understood the hurt he had caused.

✿✿✿✿✿

A few days later, Kai, Chanyeol, and their new friends gathered at the campus cafeteria after their morning class. The bustling cafeteria resonated with the clinking of utensils and the murmur of conversations. It was in this lively setting that Kai found himself approached by a beautiful girl named Kang Seulgi. She was a top student in their medical department, the same department as Kai and Chanyeol.

Seulgi had mustered the courage to confess her feelings to Kai, a bold move that sent ripples of whispers through the cafeteria. Nervously, she tugged at Kai's sleeve, drawing his attention away from his friend.

"Kai, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," Seulgi stammered, her face blushing a deep crimson.

Kai, intrigued, lifted his head. "What is it, Seulgi?"

Her cheeks continued to flush as she admitted, "I... I really like you, Kai. I've liked you for a while now."

Kai responded with casual nonchalance, "Oh, thank you. I like you too; you're a great and pretty person." His words seemed to bring a radiant smile to Seulgi's face, and for that fleeting moment, it appeared that everything was falling into place.

Kai had been a totally different person since a few years ago; he is more open with women and loves the fact that girls are flocking over him like moths drawn to a flame. Surrendering themselves to a wolve like him. His beautiful facial features, clear brown eyes, and lean body always make him shine in the crowd. It was no surprise that many women sought him. 

"So, can I be your girlfriend?" Seulgi asked as she regained some confidence when Kai said he liked her too. 

"Yeah, you can," He laughed as he pulled Seulgi's hand and ushered her to sit beside him. Carelessly, he put his arm over her shoulder as if declaring to his friends at the table that he got a new girl. Typically, all of his friends and Chanyeol just laughed and nodded their heads. Taking his chance, Kai placed his arm around Seulgi's slim waist, caressing her gently, which caused the girl to squirm in his arm and bury her face in his neck. 

However, in the midst of this newfound connection, a voice suddenly pierced the air, disrupting the jovial atmosphere. "Moonji-shi~! Let me send you home."

Kai's head swivelled abruptly in the direction of the voice, his striking features and clear brown eyes now fixed intently on the unfolding scene. His brows furrowed, and his posture stiffened as his gaze inadvertently locked with Moonji's. Despite the brief exchange of glances, Moonji remained unfazed, shaking her head and saying something to the man beside her. She remained composed in the face of the unexpected intrusion.

Amidst the murmurs and curious glances that were now directed their way, Moonji continued to hold her ground, bowing her head gracefully but repeatedly. Each dip of her head carried a subtle, unspoken message—a polite refusal and a desire for distance.

The man, his persistence unyielding, raised his voice further, his insistence drawing even more attention from the cafeteria's occupants. 

"Just let me-!!!" The man's voice rose, further drawing attention within the cafeteria. The tension in the air thickened as the unspoken standoff between Moonji and her suitor played out before the captive audience. Her eyes, which had initially shown determination, began to waver ever so subtly as she faced the relentless advances of the man. This subtle vulnerability did not go unnoticed by Kai, who inhaled sharply, his body tensing as if ready to intervene.

Chanyeol, sensing the impending eruption of tension, swiftly rose from his seat. His tall stature and commanding presence drew the gazes of onlookers as he approached Moonji and her persistent suitor. Despite his boyish features, Chanyeol possessed an imposing physicality, his sheer height alone enough to intimidate the stubborn man who seemed unwilling to back down.

"Bro, bro~! Don't be angry at her," Chanyeol interjected calmly but firmly, addressing the suitor. He extended a hand towards Moonji, offering her a lifeline in this increasingly uncomfortable situation. Moonji, trembling inwardly with fear, accepted Chanyeol's help without hesitation, her gratitude evident in the way she clung to his offered hand.

Chanyeol guided Moonji away from the escalating confrontation, his towering presence as a protective barrier between her and the suitor who refused to relent. The two of them exited the cafeteria, leaving behind the curious glances and lingering tension.

Moonji, finally out of the distressing situation, turned to Chanyeol and offered a sincere bow of her head. "Thank you, Chanyeol," she said softly, her voice laced with gratitude and relief.

Chanyeol nodded, concern etched across his features. "Of course, just be safe," he replied, genuine in his desire to ensure Moonji's well-being. Even though Kai and Moonji had a deep connection, he never harboured ill feelings towards the woman. He, too, felt sorry on the prank he did to her few years back.  

As they stood outside, Moonji was met with Chanyeol's offer of a ride as he muttered, "I could give you a ride home,".

She hesitated momentarily before politely declining. "It's okay, no, thank you," she responded, her gaze distant as she walked away from Chanyeol. 

✿✿✿✿✿

"Ra-Moonji, from the department of finance and administration. You'll be assigned to be the co-director of the university Open Healthcare Day. Please come to hall 6 after this,"

Moonji, seated amongst her peers and while gathering her belongings, turned her attention to the old woman with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Had she heard correctly? Out of the sixty students in her class, she was the one chosen to be the co-director of the new community service project. Knowing the lecturer's expectations, Moonji felt she had little choice but to accept.

"Yes, Doctor. I'll be there in a minute," she replied, her voice barely more than a whisper as she nodded in acknowledgement.

With her head hung low, Moonji slowly made her way to the designated hall. Socializing was not her strong suit; she despised drawing attention to herself or engaging in idle conversation. She arrived at the hall early, taking a front-row seat, her eyes trained on her surroundings. Gradually, the room began to fill with around fifteen other volunteers from various departments.

Amidst the bustling room, Moonji's ears suddenly caught a familiar voice. "Is this the hall?" It was none other than Kai, accompanied by Chanyeol. Keeping her gaze downcast, Moonji felt someone taking the seat beside her.

"Moonji, are you feeling okay?" The voice belonged to her senior, Lee Donghae. Moonji lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. She offered a small, polite smile.

"Oh, Donghae. I didn't know you were chosen too," she murmured softly, her words barely audible. Donghae leaned in closer, angling his ear toward her, his attentive gesture not escaping the notice of Chanyeol, who nudged Kai beside him.

"Yah, look at that. That man is flirting with Moonji," Chanyeol remarked. Kai, observing the interaction between Donghae and Moonji from a distance, merely nodded in agreement. He had noticed it as well.

"I don't understand it. Why is she being so timid like that?" Kai questioned, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression one of mild bewilderment.

Chanyeol raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Kai's reaction. "What's wrong with it?" he inquired.

"Everyone looks at her like she's easy," Kai replied in a monotone voice, his gaze remaining fixed on the unfolding scene.

Chanyeol's response was swift and direct, causing Kai to fall silent. "Yah, don't you remember? When she's not timid, you, too, treat her like she's easy." His words served as a pointed reminder, forcing Kai to reflect on his past behaviour and the impact it had on Moonji.