---
We left the apartment at exactly seven o'clock.
The narrow hallway was the same as always. Slightly faded wall paint, a row of parked bicycles, and the smell of laundry detergent from the next unit.
Yuna walked beside me.
The blue bag on her back looked a little too big.
Her steps were neat.
Too neat.
The moment we reached the external stairs of the apartment, I spotted them.
Three housewives.
Standing at the end of the narrow alley.
A classic formation.
One holding a shopping bag.
One holding a smartphone.
One just standing there with folded arms.
---
The moment they saw us—
Their chatter stopped.
All heads turned in unison.
Their gazes shifted from me... to Yuna... then back again.
The local gossip radar system had been activated.
Beside me, Yuna's pace changed.
Her back suddenly straightened.
Her shoulders pulled back.
Her chin lifted slightly.
I didn't need to look at her face to know what she was doing.
Public mode.
