I crossed the threshold without realizing it, carried by the music's pull—like it had wrapped around me and dragged me inside.
It was magnificent— glowing chandeliers, frost-kissed pillars, and in the center of the hall…
A music box.
Its soft melody filled the air like a spell.
I walked toward it, drawn.
The little ballerina inside spun gracefully— a perfect, delicate pirouette.
I stepped into the pose, my fingers lifting, my eyes closing.
My body moved
a slow spin, a light step.
And then—
Warmth — I feel.
A black gloves hand slid around my waist.
A sharp chill shot straight up my spine.
Another hand— in a black glove— curled around my wrist, guiding my fingers.
My breath hitched.
Is it… him?
As just my eyes open wide , his voice brushed my ear— low, warm, devastating:
"May I join you?"
A shiver raced through me, my ears burned red..
His grip tightened just slightly, lifting me into a graceful spin before pulling me back against him.
Our eyes met— close, too close— same gaze heavy with a softness but the moment made the air vanish from my lungs.
The music faded.
All I could hear was him.
His breath.
His closeness froze me like stone—
His leather-clad fingers make me feel ticklish.
Control yourself, Nora—control.
This isn't some comedy…It's romantic dance.
We moved together in a slow ballroom dance.
Step by step
Just close.
The melody faded…
And he leaned closer.
I inhaled sharply and instinctively bent backward—
a clean, sweeping dip— my body arching almost 160 degrees toward the marble floor.
But his arm tightened around my back, holding me effortlessly.
"Nó… gul…"
The word escaped from his lips . His eyes locked onto mine.
"Huh…? " I confused.
He straightened me with a gentle pull, his hand steady at my waist.
He murmured again,
"Kang no Gul."
"My name," he added quietly, his gaze tracing my face.
'Kang No Gul , No - Gul ....wait Why… why is he staring at me like that? Does he want to know my name?'
"M-my name is Nora," I said it while trying to force a small smile.
His head tilted slightly.
"No…ra." He repeated my name slower.
Then he leaned again—
Why is he coming closer again…?
I slowly start leaning back once more, swallow hard,
If you're handsome —just because doesn't mean you get to scare anyone you want.
His lips lifted in the faintest smirk—"Are you afraid?"
I shake my head to say no… but the truth is, I am scared.
The way you acting makes me uneasy—
my whole body feels strange,
like an engine heating up too fast,
out of control.
He suddenly pulled me toward him in one sharp motion, bringing me upright against his chest.
And then—
something soft brushed my shoulders from behind.
A BLAZER.
He draped his blazer over my shoulders from behind.
"It's cold here." he said while adjusted the blazer around me with careful fingers.
Then turned, .
"I thought… no one could come here," he said in a low voice.
"…but apparently, you're an exception."
I reached back and caught his gloved hand, stopping him.
"Exception!"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Are you really a ghost… or a Grim Reaper who has come to take me away?
Am I going to die?
And what kind of place is this?"
Before I could speak further, his grip tightened. He pulled me into his arms, spinning me slightly before holding me close.
"Do I really look like a Grim Reaper to you?"
I think for a moment, then say softly,
"Why—can't a Grim Reaper be handsome?"
He smiles faintly and leans closer, his face inches from mine.
"So… you think I'm handsome?"
I point a finger at his forehead, trying to push him back.
"You can talk even while keeping a little distance."
Instead,
He pressed closer, lowering his voice.
"Moscow… this world breathes in Moscow."
'Moscow' Everything about him—his words, his presence—feels strange.
Unsettling.
And then—
"Miss?" Somebody calling me.
I gasped.
My eyes flew open.
The gentle pressure of a seatbelt across my waist.
A flight attendant stood beside me, smiling politely.
"We've landed."
My chest rose sharply as I inhaled.
It was a dream.
Again.
Oh God… he's really stuck to me now.
What if Grandma's words actually came true?
What if I really am under some kind of magic spell?
But then again…
if black magic comes with a handsome guy,
maybe it's not that bad after all.
To Be Continued… ❄️🌙