Raine initially just posted a subtle jab on her social media:
"I know someone, and he's definitely not the type to fall for... well, girls like that."
Netizens immediately picked up on it. Fara was still trending due to the mystery guy caught on camera with her. Was Raine talking about Evan?
Comments flooded in:
"Wait, do you know Evan?"
"New rival? Ooh, this is getting juicy!"
"You totally suit Evan more than that celeb."
Some of Fara's fans snapped back, accusing Raine of clout-chasing. But others got intrigued—wanting to know more about her and Evan. Raine's name started popping up in gossip threads.
Then she posted again:
"Of course I know him. I was his junior in high school and his fan since then."
That sent the internet into another frenzy.
"Junior and fan?!"
"High school connection? This is like a K-drama!"
"Okay, I'm Team Raine now. She's clearly the better match."
Fara's fans doubled down:
"Claiming to know him just for fame?"
"If you really know him, where's the proof?"
Raine didn't bother with the hate. She replied casually to one comment:
"Proof? I still remember during that basketball match against another school—he fell, but insisted on playing till the end. Totally the stubborn type, right?"
Curious netizens began digging and actually found fragments confirming Evan had played in a high school basketball tournament. Raine wasn't making it up.
Meanwhile, Evan had just come home from work and opened social media—only to see his name in the gossip cycle again. This time, not just Fara, but a girl claiming to be his junior.
He stared at the screen.
"Junior? Fan? Since high school?"
He frowned. In his entire life—or rather, in the five different versions of it—he had never known anyone named Raine.
Rubbing his temples, Evan muttered, "This is getting ridiculous." At least with Fara, he knew who she was. But Raine? Not even a hint of familiarity.
He typed into a search bar: "Raine High School X"
Some results popped up. Her social media account appeared. Raine really did go to the same high school as this version of Evan—at least the 2019 version.
Still… she felt like a stranger.
He closed the app and sighed.
"One scandal's not even over, and here comes another."
But Raine hadn't spread slander. She merely said she knew him from school. That wasn't illegal.
But how?
He zoomed in on her photo. Her eyes, nose, lips…
Almost identical to Michelle.
But that was impossible. Michelle was gone—disappeared with the turn of the year. No one remembered her anymore.
So why was there someone who looked just like her now?
Evan swallowed. The air suddenly felt heavier.
"Who is she, really?"
Evan DMs Raine, asking to meet at a café.
Raine replies almost instantly, like she's been expecting it:
"Sure. I figured you'd be curious."
Evan chooses a quiet café—not too crowded—somewhere they can talk freely. He needs to know who she is, and why she looks so much like Michelle.
When he arrives, he spots a girl sitting in the corner. As he approaches, his heartbeat shifts. She really does look like Michelle. But there's something different—her gaze is sharper, more confident. Michelle had always been soft and serene.
Raine offers a small smile as Evan pulls out the chair and sits.
"You finally decided to meet me," she says calmly, stirring her coffee. "So, what do you want to ask, Evan?"
He crosses his arms, eyes fixed on her.
"Who are you, really?"
A waitress approaches their table. Evan is just about to say more when he glances up and freezes.
"Sienna?" he blurts out.
Today, Sienna looks… different. Usually, she's cold or sarcastic whenever she sees him. But today? She's smiling—warm, pretty, in her neat waitress uniform.
"Good evening, Uncle Evan. What would you like to order?" she asks sweetly, handing him the menu with both hands.
Instead of answering, Evan stares at her.
"What are you doing here?"
Sienna raises an eyebrow, still smiling.
"Part-time job, Uncle."
Raine watches them both, clearly puzzled. She glances between them, picking up on the tension.
Trying to clarify, Evan finally says,
"She's the daughter of one of my dad's late business partners."
Raine nods slowly, but from her face, Evan can tell she still has questions.
Sienna smiles politely, looks briefly at Raine, and says, "I'll give you two a moment to decide on your order."
She walks away gracefully. Evan watches her leave, unsettled.
Since when was Sienna this... polite?
"Uncle Evan?" Raine's voice pulls him back.
He turns to her. She looks genuinely curious.
"You looked really shocked to see her. What's the deal?"
Evan exhales, closing the menu he hadn't even glanced at.
"Nothing. Just surprised. Didn't expect to see her here."
Raine squints, clearly not satisfied. But before she can press further, Sienna returns with the same polite smile.
"Ready to order, Uncle Evan, Miss?"
Evan gives his order, followed by Raine—though she keeps sneaking glances at their interaction.
As Sienna jots down their choices, Raine suddenly asks, "Were you his junior too?"
Sienna smiles faintly.
"No. I've just known Uncle Evan for a long time."
There's a strange weight to the word known, like it carries a hidden message.
Evan shoots her a look, but she only smiles and walks away.
Once she's gone, Raine leans back in her seat, eyeing Evan.
"Okay, now I'm really curious." She crosses her arms. "Something's definitely up between you and that girl."
Evan doesn't respond right away. Too many questions are racing through his mind—about Sienna, her sudden change, and the way she seemed to enjoy making him squirm.
But that wasn't the point of this meeting. He needs to focus.
"Forget about her. I want to know about you," Evan finally says. "Why did you say you know me? And why are you so sure Fara isn't my type?"
Raine narrows her eyes, playful suspicion in her voice.
"Don't tell me you like her, Van."
Evan snorts and leans back.
"Don't be ridiculous. I was just surprised to see her here. That's all."
Raine studies him for a beat before smirking.
"Then why do you look so bothered?"
"You ask too many questions," Evan replies, sipping his water.
Raine chuckles.
"Of course I do. You're way too interesting. She's weird, you're weird. And now you randomly ask me out? If I didn't know better, I'd think you had a thing for me."
Evan shoots her a glance.
"You're not the one."
Raine fakes a pout.
"Ouch. Rejected so fast—no chance at all?"
Evan lets out a small laugh.
"Okay, my turn to ask now." He leans forward. "Why do you say you know me?"
Raine smiles confidently.
"Because I do know you, Van. You were in 12th grade, I was in 10th. I was your fan back then."
Evan goes quiet, scanning her face. Still no memories. But her face—it's too similar to Michelle's.
"And why are you so sure Fara's not my type?" he asks.
Raine gives a sly smile.
"Because I know the kind of girl you like."
Evan holds her gaze. Raine just stares back—mysterious, like she's holding a secret even he doesn't know yet.