Episode 22
As Jeonghyeon’s car climbed the hill in Seongbuk-dong, it gradually slowed down and came to a stop in front of the Hyeonmujae.
“Thanks for today, oppa.”
“Seorin…”
Just as Seorin was unbuckling her seatbelt to get out, Jeonghyeon stopped her. When she looked at him curiously, he spoke in a sincere voice.
“What I said earlier… that I’ve liked you for a long time—that’s true. I know it’s hard right now, but please, just once, think of me as a serious candidate.”
“Jeonghyeon oppa…”
“And here.”
Jeonghyeon opened the glove compartment and pulled out a small shopping bag with a pink ribbon. He handed it to her with a slightly shy expression.
“A birthday gift. Your birthday was a little while ago. I didn’t know what to get, so I picked something I like. I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”
Seorin shook her head with a deep breath.
“No… I can’t accept this.”
Jeonghyeon smiled sadly and gently tilted his head.
“Can’t we even do this anymore? We used to exchange gifts every year.”
“Just think of me as a close oppa and accept it. Don’t make it awkward just because I confessed.”
He then opened the bag and pulled out a box, revealing a gold bracelet. Looking at it reminded Seorin of the birthday gift Taeyoon once gave her—coincidentally, it was also a bracelet.
“I thought something too fancy would be hard to wear.”
He unlatched the clasp and gently lifted Seorin’s hand resting on her lap, putting the bracelet on her wrist.
“Just take it. It’s nothing big.”
“It’s not like we’re on such bad terms that we can’t even exchange birthday presents, right?”
Seeing his face smiling while frowning, Seorin couldn’t bear to refuse any longer, fearing she might hurt him.
“…I should go now.”
Avoiding his gaze, she got out of the car. As she waved goodbye, Jeonghyeon waved back before driving off. Seorin quietly entered through a side gate near the main entrance.
The sun was setting, painting the sky red. Seorin walked up the gray stone steps toward the main house.
Why didn’t I realize before that Jeonghyeon had feelings for me?
She never thought she was that clueless.
Maybe I’ve just been too focused on what’s ahead…
She sighed quietly and walked toward the lodging area behind the main house.
But before she could reach it, her phone rang. It was Youngsook. She composed herself and answered.
“Yes, this is Eun Seorin.”
–“I heard a car just now. Are you home?”
“Yes, just arrived.”
–“Come see me for a moment before you go to your room.”
Sighing again, Seorin turned away from the lodging and headed to the main house.
As soon as she entered, Youngsook motioned for her to come closer.
“So, how was the date? What did you think of the guy?”
Youngsook’s eyes were filled with eager curiosity. Seeing her so openly interested, Seorin hesitated. Should she tell her that it was Jeonghyeon? In the end, she decided not to say much.
“He was nice.”
But her vague tone didn’t escape Youngsook’s notice.
“Then why the strange expression?”
“Me? I’m fine.”
“You look like something’s bothering you. If he wasn’t to your liking, I can arrange another one. I’ve got plenty of people to introduce you to.”
Sure enough, Youngsook seemed determined to keep setting her up until Seorin found someone.
Seorin forced a smile.
“No, really, he seemed like a good person. I’d like to meet him again.”
Hearing this, Youngsook’s face lit up.
“Really? Good! I told you the director only introduces decent people.”
Seorin gave a bitter smile.
“Dating a doctor—how stable and wonderful is that?”
While Youngsook was rambling on happily, the front door opened and Taeyoon entered. Startled, Seorin quickly stepped back—of all times, he had to show up while they were talking about the date.
“Oh my, Taeyoon, you’re home!”
“Yes, just now.”
Even as he responded, he scanned Seorin and Youngsook. He immediately picked up on the mood: Seorin avoiding his eyes, and Youngsook looking flustered.
“What were you two talking about?”
Youngsook let out an exaggerated laugh, too excited to keep it to herself.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just that Seorin went on a date today, and it turns out she really liked the guy!”
Seorin had only said the date went well, but now Youngsook had twisted it into something more. Embarrassed, Seorin couldn’t stop her.
“…Me?”
Taeyoon’s cold gaze shifted from Youngsook to Seorin. She clenched her skirt tightly in her hand.
“Well, that’s great! Seorin needs to find someone nice and get married soon. And you, Taeyoon, you’ll…”
Youngsook’s words were cut off as Taeyoon suddenly grabbed Seorin’s wrist and led her outside.
“What?!”
Youngsook shouted angrily, jumping to her feet.
“Seo Taeyoon! Get back here right now!”
But he didn’t stop.
“Seriously, what’s he doing now? Ms. Kang!”
Youngsook screamed for the maid.
“Y-Yes, ma’am?”
“Follow them and see what they’re up to!”
“Me…?”
“Who else? Should I go instead?!”
Startled, the maid ran after them.
“Agh! This stress will be the death of me!”
Youngsook collapsed on the couch and gulped down her drink, but her frustration only grew.
Meanwhile, Taeyoon had dragged Seorin near the garden wall and stopped. He turned to look at her, noticing her different outfit.
“So that’s what you wore to the date? To look good for another man?”
Ivory two-piece, stockings, neatly styled hair, and makeup—everything was clearly done for someone other than him. His neck throbbed with visible veins.
“How could you do this to me? How could you…”
His voice was a painful mix of anger, despair, and sorrow.
“I asked you to wait just a little longer. I said I’d fix everything. How could you betray me like this?”
The strong, unshakable Taeyoon now seemed to crumble. His voice echoed in Seorin’s heart.
“If it’s a relationship that won’t last anyway, isn’t it better for both of you to move on now?”
She remembered Jeonghyeon’s earlier words. He had said she could use him however she needed.
Even so… Can I really do that?
Even knowing it was wrong, she couldn’t stop herself.
Her mouth moved on its own.
“I didn’t go on a blind date today.”
“…What?”
“It wasn’t a setup. It was a real date. I’ve been seeing someone.”
Taeyoon’s dark pupils quivered.
“What are you saying? Who…?”
“You know him.”
After swallowing hard, she continued slowly.
“Jeonghyeon oppa.”
“Jeonghyeon? You mean Lee Jeonghyeon?”
At that name, the flickering in Taeyoon’s eyes stopped. The shock hit him hard.
Seorin steeled herself. If their relationship was truly over, it was better to end it now.
Even though her heart ached and words were hard to speak, she forced strength into her voice.
“Yes. Jeonghyeon oppa. I’m seeing him.”
