The first thing I noticed was the sound of my own heartbeat.

Thump—!

It felt the same as usual, yet the vibrations seemed heavier.

I unconsciously clutched my chest.

The man’s back appeared ordinary at first glance.

But the longer I stared, the more something about him bothered me.

Thump—! Thump—!

The pounding grew stronger, loud enough to feel even without focusing.

“Ha.”

A hollow laugh escaped me.

“Of course. It was too easy.”

Things had been going too smoothly—almost suspiciously so.

I should’ve known my life was never meant to be simple.

I clenched my chest harder and furrowed …