9. Caught Up in Emotions

After being escorted by Ha-neul to her apartment, Starla stepped into her room with mixed feelings. The dim lights illuminated every corner of the apartment, creating a warm yet tranquil atmosphere of the night. Starla walked slowly down the apartment hallway, still haunted by Ha-neul’s mysterious smile and meaningful gaze they shared under the night sky.

Starla continued to ponder, recalling Ha-neul’s words that had deeply moved her. Had Ha-neul truly referred to her as a beauty surpassing the brilliance of the stars? The image of the night sky they had enjoyed together lingered in her mind, where the starlight still shone brightly.

Emotional vibrations flowed within her, causing her heart to race. Starla couldn’t help but smile bashfully as she thought of that special moment. In the silence of the night, she felt warmth from the beautiful memories they shared.

In the quiet of the night, with stars still shining in the sky, as if reflecting the happiness enveloping Starla’s heart. Her mind continued to revisit their encounter, providing a sense of relief and newfound hope in the tranquil darkness of the night.

“Why am I feeling so awkward like this?!” Starla protested after realizing her reactions. She shook her head at herself, trying to control her overflowing emotions. Her steps sounded heavy on the silent apartment floor. “Oh, Starla, get a grip! People will think I’m crazy for smiling to myself.”

The dim light emitted warmth, yet her heart still raced. Starla tried to absorb the impact of her encounter with Ha-neul, digesting the profound words she had just heard. She promised herself to stay calm and think rationally, although curiosity and admiration still haunted her on that quiet night. Nonetheless, she felt connected to something larger, beyond the horizons she knew. Ha-neul had opened a window to his world, giving her a new perspective on beauty and mystery around her.

Starla pondered, observing the silent solitude of her apartment with gratitude for the moment she had just experienced. Emotional vibrations still flowed within her heart, reminding her of Ha-neul’s mysterious gaze under the night sky. In the midst of the quiet night, Starla reflected on how different tonight felt after meeting Ha-neul. Ha-neul’s meaningful gaze continued to resonate in her mind, giving her a mix of joy and admiration.

Suddenly, a hope emerged in her mind. Starla fantasized about the future, where they could continue that conversation. She imagined delving deeper into the hidden world of mystery behind Ha-neul’s words. They would share again, savoring the beauty and wonders contained within.

In the quiet of the night, under the dim light, Starla smiled to herself. Her mind wandered far, envisioning adventures and discoveries awaiting them. That hope gave her strength and inspiration to pursue dreams and broaden her horizons, inspired by Ha-neul’s mysteriously filled presence.

Now, standing in front of her apartment door, Starla felt ushered into a new life. She contemplated the possibilities ahead, akin to the stars that continued to shine in the night sky. In the silence, she let those feelings spread, savoring the meaning of an unexpected encounter that led to new challenging adventures in the future.

Before Starla could open the door, Luna promptly swung it open from inside, catching Starla slightly off guard. “Can’t you stop surprising me like a ghost?”

“Hehe, sorry, I was curious. So, how was your outing?” Luna chuckled while following behind Starla. Starla casually threw her bag on the sofa and then flopped down without saying a word, frustrating Luna.

“Come on, Star! I’m asking,” Luna complained irritably. Starla just remained silent, a fleeting image replaying in her mind of how she had sparked the mood a few hours ago. Remembering it made Starla blush again.

“Hahaha, you don’t have to explain. Your red face gives it away. Like a boiled shrimp.” Laughter suddenly filled the room, Luna staring at Starla, making her more annoyed. “Aww, Starla is really getting all emotional!”

“You’re annoying! I’m not being emotional, just normal. You mind your own business,” Starla deflected, urging Luna to leave. If Luna stayed, she would tease Starla endlessly.

“Well, my business is done. That’s why I’m curious about you,” Luna retorted, making Starla huff.

Luna eventually sat on the opposite sofa, eyeing her friend’s clearly concealed emotions. “Come on, spill it, Star. Why are you acting like you’re hiding world secrets?”

Starla shook her head softly, trying to calm herself before gathering the courage to speak. “Nothing’s wrong, Luna. I just hung out and ate, that’s it.”

Luna fell silent, her curious and disbelieving gaze still evident. “Really?”

Starla sighed, “See? You asked, but you won’t believe it.”

“Well, your story and your face don’t add up!” Luna teased, trying to get Starla to open up. Luna shook her head, but her smile couldn’t be hidden. “He must have a way to make you blush, huh? That guy is something.”

“No? You think you know everything. Let it go, Luna. Don’t you have anything else to do?” Starla asked, hoping to divert attention from the embarrassing topic. Starla grumbled irritably but eventually smiled. Maybe Luna was right; Ha-neul indeed had his way of bringing warmth in the silent night.

“Fine, my business is done,” Luna replied. “But I have a meeting with a producer tomorrow.”

Starla snapped her fingers as if given a chance to escape. “Well, then, think about your meeting with the producer tomorrow. Stop bothering me!”

“Oh, Star, you’re so funny!” Luna teased, her gaze warm.

Luna laughed seeing Starla’s annoyed expression due to her teasing. Yet, on the other hand, Luna felt happy to see that smile back on her friend’s face. That smile was rarely seen after Starla lost someone who had always been her source of happiness. Luna understood how difficult it was for Starla to forget her sad past, but she also believed that time would heal wounds and bring new happiness to her friend. In the warmth of the silent night, the room atmosphere was warmed by their laughter.

“So, are you really not affected?” Luna asked, making Starla sigh irritably but then ponder silently.