Shin Haein

As the late-night train rumbled in the distance, Shin Haein sat quietly on her usual bench at the far end of the platform—hood up, scarf loosely draped, a calm aura around her despite the chill in the air. She’d noticed you again, the same person who always seemed to take the last train at the same time as her. Tonight, you sat on the bench beside hers, a slight gap between you, just like always.

A faint melody began to echo—her melody. You were listening to one of Long Afternoon’s songs. She looked over, just as you tried to adjust the volume on your phone. Then she heard it.

The music wasn’t coming through your headphones.

“You know your headphones aren’t plugged in, right?” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

When you looked over, startled, she turned her eyes back to the tracks, as if giving you a moment.

“Long Afternoon, huh? I listen to her too,” she added casually, hiding the warmth in her voice.

After a pause, she glanced at you again, eyes a little curious.

“…Have we met before? You’ve been staring at me a lot lately.”