Side Story Chapter 1
Summer in Eden City was short. When Sarin returned to Eden City, the brief summer had already passed, and the cold autumn, reminiscent of winter, had arrived. Despite not having stayed for long, why did this place feel more familiar than her hometown?
The once entirely unfamiliar city became familiar as Sarin walked three dogs through it, gradually getting used to it. She deeply breathed in the scent of the season carried by the cool breeze. Holding the leash tightly, she hurried her steps.
The powerful force that wrapped around her hands felt different from when she first walked the dogs here. Back then, she was being dragged around hastily, but now, the dogs adjusted their pace to hers.
No one dared to come close while she walked with the three large dogs. Perhaps it was because of their imposing stature or the aura of inaccessibility surrounding them, Sarin thought.
She never realized the unspoken rule that had emerged: never approach the woman with the black dogs in Eden City, not even in dreams.
Apart from tourists, hardly anyone was seen in Eden City. But at night, various kinds of people emerged from the deep darkness to indulge in pleasure. Even within lawless territories, there was still an order to be maintained.
As Sarin’s steps came to a halt, the three Dobermans also stopped and turned to look at her.
“Sorry.”
As if apologizing to a person, Sarin spoke, and Pink trotted back, nuzzling her head against Sarin’s thigh. She bent down, caressing the soft, short fur.
“I’m fine.”
Thanks to Pink, who meticulously gauged her mood, Sarin couldn’t help but smile. Since her return, whenever she walked the dogs, she often found herself stopping like this.
Perhaps she sensed that the season was coming to an end. The temperature fluctuated every day. Whenever she felt the passage of time, Owen naturally came to mind.
Owen had been busy since returning to Eden City. He was so busy that he often had to leave the city empty. The last time she saw him was four days ago.
It was okay since she had spent more time alone than with him anyway, but sometimes, as she walked, she inexplicably stopped. Sarin shook her head, letting her thoughts drift away.
The impulse-bought items in the closet were carefully stored away. She wasn’t sure if she could give them to Owen when he returned. Somehow, it felt awkward. These thoughts kept surfacing endlessly, and she shifted her focus back to walking.
“Your dogs are always so beautiful, unlike their owner.”
“Gayeon!”
Gayeon, sitting at a roadside cafeteria, waved and teased. As Sarin turned to look, her face brightened with a radiant smile.
“Why do you take it so seriously? I was debating whether to greet you or not.”
Gayeon gestured for her to come over, and next to her, Kirill sat stoically. When Sarin turned and their eyes met, they immediately connected effortlessly. Gayeon nudged Kirill’s foot under the table, prompting him to nod in greeting.
As Sarin hesitated to sit down, Gayeon pulled out the metal chair next to her.
“What would you like to drink? They make great apple cinnamon tea here.”
“Then I’ll have that.”
Taking the initiative to order at the counter and return seemed like a system, so when Sarin tried to get up again, Kirill got up first and headed inside the café.
“Are you doing well?”
The dogs sat quietly by Sarin’s side. She poured water into a portable bowl and placed it on the ground for them to drink. Sarin nodded in response to Gayeon’s question.
“Yes.”
“I bet you were quite surprised when he disappeared. You didn’t even say goodbye properly.”
Gayeon’s gaze showed deep concern. Sarin also hadn’t contacted him since he left.
When it was time, Owen would call her, but their conversations always ended abruptly. She couldn’t bring herself to call him back, fearing she might interrupt something important. Accepting incoming calls was all she could do.
“Do you miss him?”
Gayeon asked as if peering into her heart. As Sarin reached for her tea, a stream of hot water spilled from the cup, and Gayeon handed her a tissue.
“Ah, sorry. It caught me off guard.”
“I can see why he likes you.”
Sarin stifled a silent laugh at Gayeon’s teasing.
“No, it’s not that. It’s just… I don’t know.”
Gayeon’s expression turned bitter. Their relationship had been based on deception and manipulation—a world where no one could be trusted. It was obvious that Sarin’s life had been tough.
How much did Owen long for her?
When Sarin saw Kirill, who resembled Owen, she felt her throat tighten again. It felt like she couldn’t breathe. Kirill’s presence reminded her of Owen.
