Converging Hearts

The warm scent of fried food and sizzling burgers enveloped them as they stepped into Lotteria, the cozy fast-food joint just a short walk from the police station. The soft glow of lights bounced off colorful posters on the walls, offering a comforting contrast to the sterile, tense atmosphere they had just left behind. The lunchtime rush had passed, leaving the place with a quiet hum of conversation and the occasional sizzle from the kitchen, punctuated by the distant clatter of trays.

Khynny, Hye Jin, and Oner made their way to a corner booth, tucked away from the main seating area. The tension from the interrogation still clung to them, but it began to loosen as they settled into the cushioned seats. The trio sat in a brief, comfortable silence, letting the warmth of the restaurant and the faint chatter around them ease the weight of the day.

Hye Jin leaned back, her eyes scanning the brightly lit menu overhead. "Alright, I'm starving. I'll go with the classic bulgogi burger. You two?"

Khynny's fingers tapped a light rhythm on the table as she smiled faintly, her gaze flicking up to the menu. "Same for me. I need something simple after all those questions."

Oner, sitting across from them, nodded. "Make it three."

Hye Jin grinned as she stood up, heading to the counter. The moment she was out of earshot, Khynny's smile faded. She glanced at Oner, her voice softening, careful. "So... the police really think your ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend were involved in the heist?"

Oner sighed, his hand moving to rub the back of his neck, tension in his movements. "Yeah. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Seeing her with him was bad enough, but this?" He exhaled sharply, the frustration in his voice palpable. "I never thought I'd be dragged into something like this."

Khynny's fingers stilled on the table, her expression thoughtful. "It's strange how our personal lives get tangled in things this big." Her gaze shifted toward the window, where the afternoon sun filtered through, casting a soft glow over the scene. "I can't believe the break-in is about more than just the vase."

Before Oner could respond, Hye Jin returned with a tray of food, sliding it onto the table. "Alright, let's eat before the fries get cold," she said, catching the tail end of their conversation as she sat down. "What did I miss?"

Khynny picked up a fry, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Just talking about how all of this started. The heist, the interrogation—it's been a lot."

Hye Jin nodded, taking a bite of her burger. "You're telling me. This whole thing's like a movie, but we're stuck living it."

They ate in silence for a while, the warmth of the food and the rhythmic clatter of the restaurant slowly easing the tension that had built up. It wasn't long before Hye Jin excused herself, heading to the restroom. The booth felt quieter, more intimate now.

Khynny broke the silence first, her eyes wandering to the red T1 logo on Oner's jacket. "History and gaming," she mused, raising an eyebrow. "Not the usual combination."

Oner smirked, leaning back in his seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the table. "Life's full of surprises."

His grin widened, and he leaned in just a little, matching her playful curiosity. "And you? Following in the footsteps of someone like Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr.? You know, Indiana Jones? The famous archaeologist?" The jungler's gaze lingering on her a second longer than necessary before looking away.

Khynny blinked, caught off guard. "Oh. Right." A soft, embarrassed laugh escaped her as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her gesture shy. "What makes you say that?"

"Well," Oner leaned closer, his tone teasing, "you're into history, artifacts, and you're not afraid to throw a few punches to defend a priceless vase. Sounds like something straight out of an adventure film."