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The meeting place was a hotel located right across from the department store, its entrance clearly visible.
Ae-ran had been waiting in the lobby for over 20 minutes, glancing repeatedly at her wristwatch.
Even though she had arrived pale-faced and 30 minutes late, the person she was waiting for had yet to show up.
It was just past an hour of aimless waiting when a black sedan pulled up in front of the lobby. Before the doorman could open the door, a man abruptly stepped out of the passenger seat.
He looked familiar. The man in the black shirt opened the rear door. The tattoo peeking out from under his sleeve triggered recognition—this was one of the men who had stood with a blood-dripping knife beside Seok-won’s lifeless body.
And then, emerging from the backseat, was him. Cha Kwon-seok. A name she wished to forget but couldn’t, etched too deeply into her memory. Without acknowledging the subordinate who held the door for him, he strode directly toward them.
“You’re here.”
Despite waiting for an hour, Ae-ran greeted him with uncontainable delight, her face lighting up as if nothing else mattered.
Cha-eon had assumed she’d be accompanying Ae-ran on one of their usual shopping trips. It made sense; during Ae-ran’s relationships, she had never openly introduced her partners or invited anyone along on dates before.
Even as his gaze landed on her, Cha-eon remained silent, offering no greeting. Only when he drew closer, his sharp nose and piercing eyes coming into focus, did she bow her head slightly.
His eyes carried a coldness that felt both familiar and unbearable. She couldn’t tell whether this fear stemmed from that fateful dawn or from those icy pupils themselves. Amidst all the uncertainty, one thing was clear:
Being near this man was dangerous.
“Oh, you didn’t know I’d come. If I’d known you were meeting someone, I wouldn’t have shown up. I don’t want to interrupt your date…”
“No, it’s fine. You have great taste in clothes. Why don’t you help me pick something for our next date? We’ll eat first, then go shopping later—you can choose outfits.”
Ae-ran linked arms with Cha-eon, pulling her into the hotel while whispering excitedly in her ear.
“My birthday is in a week—you didn’t forget, did you? Let’s shop for something nice to wear on our special day. And let’s ask him to treat us to an expensive meal.”
Ae-ran’s enthusiasm bubbled over, masking whatever awkwardness lingered beneath.
Cha-eon understood why Ae-ran was trying so hard. Perhaps it was an attempt to lift her spirits after years of lethargy following Su-ji’s death. Maybe she wanted to give Cha-eon a chance to step outside her shell, even if just for a moment. Whatever the reason, Ae-ran was pushing herself to make this outing meaningful.
But the situation was unraveling strangely, and Cha-eon seemed to be the only one feeling suffocated by it.
Contrary to expectations, the hotel restaurant was eerily quiet. Though she had never dined in such a high-end establishment, she instinctively knew this wasn’t normal for a weekend afternoon.
Silently scanning the surroundings, her eyes met those of a man guarding the entrance. He wasn’t merely a server—his tattooed knuckles and the presence of other familiar faces confirmed that. These were the same men who had been in the room with Seok-won.
“Si-baek, bring another one—unwrapped.”
She remembered hearing these words before. The man with the tattooed hand had appeared shortly afterward.
Caught up in observing the scene, Cha-eon belatedly realized food had arrived at their table.
She had never handled such expensive cuts of meat in her life. The discomfort of sitting there overwhelmed any appetite she might have had.
This should’ve been a simple trip to the nearby department store, not a forced visit to an upscale restaurant where she neither belonged nor felt comfortable. Clutching her fork awkwardly, Cha-eon finally looked up. Across the table, the man sat silently, untouched food before him, watching her intently.
Something about this felt profoundly wrong. While she appreciated Ae-ran’s intentions, Cha-eon knew this wasn’t her place to be.
“Why? Is this not your scene?”
Clearly, his interest wasn’t in the juicy steak dripping with juices.
At his abrupt question, Cha-eon mechanically set down her fork.
“What?”
“You didn’t come here to fool around without consequences, did you?”
He gestured toward the spread on the table.
What exactly was he implying? Confused, Cha-eon froze, unsure how to respond. Ae-ran shifted uncomfortably, hesitating to speak. An oppressive silence settled over the table as Cha-eon swallowed nervously.
“Repeat the terms. Refresh my memory.”
His final query was directed at Ae-ran.
“Yes, you.”
“Ah…”
Ae-ran faltered, setting her fork down reluctantly. Her hesitation suggested this wasn’t a pleasant topic.
“Usually, we have dinner, spend time at the hotel… sometimes gifts like watches or cars…”
Cha-eon struggled to process what was unfolding. What did this man mean? What was Ae-ran explaining?
“Why stop halfway? Your sentences keep getting cut off.”
Finally growing impatient, the man pulled out his cigarette case. With a soft click, a single cigarette slid out.
Expecting him to light it immediately, Cha-eon tensed further as he flicked open his lighter but left the flame unlit. Every small gesture of his seemed calculated to unsettle her.
“…Cash, checks—it’s usually part of sponsorship arrangements.”
Ae-ran’s voice trailed off, her shame evident as she lowered her head. She clearly found it humiliating to articulate these details aloud. Yet, the man didn’t seem curious—he already knew everything. Instead, he seemed intent on forcing Ae-ran to verbalize her role in this transaction.
“I’ll be right back—I need to use the restroom.”
Unable to bear it any longer, Cha-eon excused herself and left the restaurant. Passing the elevator, she descended to the lobby. This wasn’t where she belonged, and listening to the explicit nature of their relationship made her deeply uncomfortable. No, it wasn’t just discomfort—it was revulsion, making it impossible to stay seated.
She didn’t blame Ae-ran. But the entire situation pressed down on her chest like a suffocating weight.
Stepping out of the hotel, Cha-eon entered the convenience store across the street. Having left her bag behind, all she had was her phone and a few thousand-won bills. Using the money meant for her bus fare home, she bought a pack of cigarettes.
Pulling one out, she leaned against the wall near the bus stop and lit it.
She still didn’t know what cigarettes tasted like—just bitter, like the current situation. But without them, she wouldn’t know how to calm her trembling nerves.
Her phone vibrated. It was Ae-ran. She ignored it and switched the phone to silent mode.
She’d seen countless sponsorships where women slept with men for money. Why did this feel so unbearably heavy?
The cigarette burned down quickly. As she fumbled to light another, a familiar click sounded behind her. A metallic lighter flipped open, its flame nearing her face.
“…”
Tattooed knuckles, neatly trimmed hair—it was Si-baek, if her memory served her right.
Cha-eon froze, unable to light her cigarette. Before she could snap at him for following her, his words sent a chill down her spine.
“He said, ‘Even pretty girls smoke these days? How versatile.’”
“…”
“He also said, ‘Payment for sharing a meal is necessary, even for you.’”
Si-baek pulled a white envelope from his breast pocket and extended it toward her.
“What’s this?”
“He said, ‘This should cover your bus fare.’”
His tone was polite, almost courteous. Yet, one glance at his eyes told her the gesture wasn’t genuine—it was mockery wrapped in civility.
“It’ll do for cab fare.”
His next words, spoken with a faint sigh, seemed more personal.
It was clear he didn’t expect—or care about—an answer. Without waiting, he handed her the envelope and turned to leave. Her trembling hands opened it.
A check. Money. She had no intention of degrading Ae-ran like this, but accepting money in exchange for a meal wasn’t something she could stomach. Not like this.
She ran after the man, but he was already gone. Crossing the street back to the hotel, she pressed the elevator button and returned to the now-closed restaurant. But the spot where she’d left was empty—no one remained.
________________________________________
• “Why aren’t you coming out? Are you sick or something?”
“I told Yeong-rim I’d take the day off. Sorry I didn’t let you know earlier.”
• “You’re so weak for your age. Why are you always so drained?”
“I’ll rest just today. I’m sorry.”
An hour after Hui-a’s call, Cha-eon lay in bed, her mind as restless as the cicadas’ cries on a summer afternoon. Was she coming down with a cold? Her fever rose, and a throbbing headache made her body feel limp.
Even eating breakfast felt exhausting. Perhaps she really was falling ill. Migraines plagued her through the night. Late into the dawn, Ae-ran came by, but Cha-eon couldn’t bring herself to open the door.
Strangely, despite doing nothing strenuous, her body ached all over.
“…That bastard.”
If only he weren’t a gangster, she might’ve slapped him. Useless bravado bubbled up inside her, making her feel worse. What if she ended up like Seok-won? The fear that had gripped her since the first encounter refused to loosen its hold.
No matter how hard life got, neither Su-ji nor herself had ever stooped to doing things against their will.
In truth, she had wrestled with the idea. Was pride really worth so much? If she swallowed it once, maybe the second or third time wouldn’t feel as shameful. There had been days when she seriously considered taking Seok-won’s hand.
Pathetic, yes. But she hadn’t sunk low enough to close her eyes and do something she didn’t believe in. At least, not yet.
She felt burdened, as though she owed a debt she never asked for. The unwanted envelope weighed heavily in her hands, threatening to drag her down.
The guilt of hurting Ae-ran gnawed at her. She could return it. Yes, she would return it.
Muttering to herself, she closed her eyes when the doorbell rang. It buzzed repeatedly, but she couldn’t muster the strength to get up, floating limply on her bed.
“Cha-eon, it’s me. I heard you didn’t go to work today.”
It was Ae-ran’s voice.
“If you’re there, say something.”
With a groan, she forced herself upright, swaying unsteadily as she made her way to the door. Opening it, she found Ae-ran standing there, her face etched with worry.
“Are you okay?”
Without waiting for an answer, Ae-ran thrust the bag Cha-eon had left behind at the restaurant into her hands. The cheap perfume wafting from her suggested she’d come straight from work.
“I was so worried when you left like that yesterday.”
“I’m sorry. I thought I was intruding, so I left early.”
Ae-ran hesitated, looking sheepish as she handed over a takeout box. The savory aroma wafting from it was unmistakable.
“I looked for you, but you were already gone. Did you come straight home?”
“…Yeah.”
“I see. You should’ve said something before leaving.”
An awkward silence settled between them. Ae-ran fidgeted, struggling to find the words to address what had happened the day before.
“Unni, you don’t need to explain anything to me. I shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Don’t feel guilty.”
From the beginning, it had been between the two of them—not her business. There was no reason for Ae-ran to justify her relationship with that man to her.
“…At first, it was casual, just business, you know? But lately, I’ve started to like him. Cha-eon, isn’t that strange?”
Ae-ran looked conflicted. Their connection wasn’t simple, and Cha-eon could sense it. After over a decade of knowing each other, Ae-ran wouldn’t have introduced the man to her if it were merely a transactional sponsorship.
Ae-ran’s head kept bowing lower with every word, as though ashamed of what she was confessing.
“To be honest, there are so many men who throw money around thinking they can buy affection. I always saw them as just wallets. But with him… it’s different. He doesn’t care about the money. I just want to be around him. Isn’t that weird? This is my first time feeling like this.”
Her eyes sparkled, cheeks flushed, lips bitten nervously, tongue darting out to wet her dry mouth. Cha-eon understood what had changed her. It was something rare and indulgent for women in this line of work: love.
“Just being near him pulls me in.”
The realization hit her hard—she was falling in love.
“At first, I thought I’d use his money to escape this life. That was the plan. But now, I want more. I want to meet him without conditions. He says he likes me too, that he’s meeting me because of his feelings, not the money. So… we’re…”
For the first time, Cha-eon saw Ae-ran’s face twist with bitterness, uncertainty clouding her expression.
“That’s good then. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Though Ae-ran claimed he liked her, though she said he had feelings for her, her expression remained pained in a way Cha-eon had never seen before. She almost asked why but stopped herself.
Living here, she’d developed the habit of turning a blind eye to others’ pain when it was convenient. More often than not, people didn’t want interference—they just wanted someone to silently listen to their complaints.
Sure enough, Ae-ran changed the subject by pulling out bowls for the meal. It was clear she found it difficult to continue talking.
Though Cha-eon’s stomach churned and she didn’t feel like eating, Ae-ran insisted they eat together, setting the table. Refusing further felt impossible. The nearby juk restaurant Hui-a mentioned earlier turned out to make excellent soy-braised beef—better than the bland porridge itself.
As Cha-eon reached for more of the flavorful braised beef, Ae-ran suddenly bent down to rummage under the bed. Curious about what had caught her attention, Cha-eon watched as Ae-ran pulled out a familiar handkerchief.
“What’s this handkerchief doing here? Is it yours?”
The faint scent of cologne still clung to it—it was the same one Mun-seong’s vice president had left behind days ago. In her haste after Seok-won’s death, Cha-eon had disposed of her own handkerchief but forgotten about his.
“Ah, this...!”
Cha-eon snatched it away quickly. Her panic mirrored Ae-ran’s confusion as she blinked rapidly, glancing between the handkerchief and Cha-eon.
Explaining its origin would mean bringing up Seok-won’s death, so honesty wasn’t an option.
“A customer must’ve left it at the shop, and it somehow ended up here.”
“I see. Guess he uses the same cologne as the VP. Funny how another man wears that scent.”
Her heart thudded wildly. Lately, lies came too easily. Was it fear of exposing Seok-won’s fate, or guilt over being in the same room with that man? The reason eluded her.
“Unni, shouldn’t you hurry back to work?”
“Yeah, I should go.”
Ae-ran stood and headed toward the door but suddenly turned back. A faint smile played on her lips, hinting at unspoken words.
“I’m quitting my job next week.”
“Really? That’s great, Unni. You’ve wanted to leave for so long.”
“Yeah. But I won’t move out yet—I can’t right now. I’ll take my time finding something else.”
Struggling into her dizzyingly high heels, Ae-ran frowned at her vibrating phone.
“He can’t wait a second, huh? Does he think Kim Seok-won disappearing is my fault? Always taking his frustrations out on me. What a psycho.”
With an irritated huff, Ae-ran slammed the door shut behind her. Silence returned to the room, filled only with the lingering aroma of beef porridge. The crumpled handkerchief lay abandoned on the table.
Kim Seok-won hadn’t returned, and Cha-eon knew she needed to confirm his death once more.
Unable to touch the cold lid again, she closed it firmly.
________________________________________
For days, Cha-eon wandered outside the shop. The man hadn’t shown up in the neighborhood, and Ae-ran hadn’t mentioned him either.
In truth, this was how things should be. Whether they dated or went to hotels, it had nothing to do with her. Not knowing about him was natural.
But for days now, Cha-eon carried the envelope stuffed with money, waiting to return it. Without seeing him, there was no way to give it back. The thought of secretly exchanging money with him while hiding it from Ae-ran weighed heavily on her.
Today, the salon was unusually quiet; the women idly watched TV weather forecasts.
Even past six o’clock, summer daylight stretched endlessly. Around this time, Ae-ran usually dropped by the salon—but lately, she’d been absent.
Perhaps she was winding down before leaving her job altogether. She’d been leaving early recently. Lost in thought, Cha-eon submerged her hands in cool water.
While washing Manager Choi’s hair (he occasionally visited the barbershop), Hee-ah burst into the shop breathless.
“Hey! Something crazy’s happening at the massage parlor. Ae-ran’s being dragged off—it’s chaos!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know Ae-ran’s brother, Na Seong-hyun? He borrowed money and ran off, and now they’re blaming Ae-ran! They’ll tear her apart if we don’t stop them!”
Dripping wet hands forgotten, Cha-eon sprinted out of the shop without noticing her shoes slipping halfway off.
As the massage parlor came into view, Ae-ran’s screams pierced the air. Shattered glass littered the entrance. Half-dragged into a black van, Ae-ran struggled desperately.
“Unni! Let go of her, you bastards!”
“Feisty, aren’t you? Want to come along too? Look at your pretty face.”
Despite Cha-eon’s efforts to pull Ae-ran free, her resistance was futile against these men. When one of them groped her, she reflexively slapped his cheek.
“You bitch!”
Before she could react, a sharp blow struck her face. Stunned, she watched helplessly as Ae-ran was shoved fully into the van.
“Cha-eon, I’ll be fine. Just go!”
“Unni...”
Reaching out, Cha-eon froze as memories flooded back—the day she’d pulled Su-ji’s lifeless body from the water. Clutching her cold form, rubbing her arms frantically, trying to warm her even though it was hopeless. That same paralysis gripped her now as the van sped away, leaving her staring dumbfounded at its taillights.
Why had Su-ji died? She wasn’t the type to take her own life. Until just months before, she’d been thriving, working harder than anyone. Yet her death remained shrouded in mystery.
She’d rushed to the police station demanding an autopsy. The cause: excessive bleeding. No signs of foul play, they said.
The officer who’d grown familiar through frequent patrols tried to console her—”Sometimes, people in emotional distress make impulsive decisions after drinking.” But the guilt and self-loathing stayed with her.
During breaks from university, she rarely visited Su-ji, using excuses of being busy. Truthfully, she preferred campus life to this neighborhood. Only after Su-ji’s passing did she return, tethered here like a ghost unable to move on.
One cryptic note remained, haunting her like a will:
“Cha-eon, wherever I am, I’ll always love you.”
Officially ruled a suicide, the case was closed. Had she been a burden to Su-ji? Perhaps. Maybe her very existence had weighed heavily on her sister all along. She’d been blind to it.
If only she’d paid more attention, visited more often—would things have been different?
She couldn’t let herself lose another precious person to helplessness.
Cha-eon rushed back to the salon, crumpled a few ten-thousand-won bills from her wallet into her pocket, and stepped out into the alley. Hailing a taxi on the main road, she climbed in.
She didn’t have a brilliant plan or any other options—just this man. Perhaps he was the only one who could save Ae-ran. Maybe that’s why her thoughts kept returning to him.
As the taxi sped toward Mun-seong headquarters, Cha-eon clasped her trembling hands together tightly.
“He said… he said he likes me. That he meets me because of his feelings. He said it, he really did.”
Ae-ran’s quivering voice echoed in her ears, fragmented and fading.
Everyone in this neighborhood knew where Ae-ran had been taken—a place where women trapped by debt were held captive, tortured, and forced into prostitution. Once inside, escape was nearly impossible. Fabricated charges piled up, nonexistent debts ballooned, and women were locked away until their bodies broke—or worse, until they died.
Ae-ran, who had been so happy about finally quitting her job, was now trapped there… Why did Cha-eon keep imagining Ae-ran cutting her wrists? Was it fear that Ae-ran might take her own life, just as Su-ji had? Was Su-ji haunting her again?
“…”
Without looking, Cha-eon handed over a few damp ten-thousand-won bills, still slippery from leftover shampoo, and stepped out of the taxi. Towering before her was an impossibly tall building with no visible end. She knew how naive and inappropriate this was—but what choice did she have? This was the only way she could think of to save Ae-ran.
Sadly, bitterly, she had no other options.
Just like the women of this neighborhood always had.
“What brings you here?”
The guard blocking her path looked at her strangely. Her hastily chosen outfit—a skirt, a t-shirt, and the red heels Ae-ran had bought her at the market—clearly didn’t belong in this setting.
“I’m here to see Vice President Cha Kwon-seok.”
“Do you have a prior appointment?”
Even without asking, the guard’s reaction made it painfully clear: someone like her didn’t belong here.
“No, but it’s urgent. I need to see him.”
As expected, the response was firm: no appointment, no entry. She begged, pleaded that she absolutely had to meet him, but the guard remained unmoved, his expression unchanged.
“Could you at least pass along a note? Please.”
Her tears welled up, threatening to spill, when a familiar voice interrupted. It was Si-baek. The guard sighed irritably, clearly annoyed by her pitiful pleading.
“What are you doing here?”
His face screamed disdain, as if to say, How dare someone like you come here?
“Please let me see the vice president. I have something important to tell him.”
Si-baek’s faint sigh hinted at his exasperation, but he eventually turned and gestured for her to follow. Cha-eon trailed closely behind him into the elevator, which ascended to the 17th floor. As the doors opened, men in black suits stood silently guarding the office. Their faces were blank, unyielding.
“Jong-seop, is the boss still in the meeting room?”
The clipped exchange between them carried no warmth. Only then did Cha-eon feel true fear. She fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, unsure of what to do.
After what felt like an eternity standing like a statue in front of the office, the guards shifted into position. Then came the signal—the elevator arriving. Through the opening doors emerged Cha Kwon-seok, impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt, tailored suit pants, polished dress shoes, and a perfectly knotted tie. His hair, slicked back with pomade, gleamed under the lights, and the scent of cologne filled the air. It was clear he’d just returned from an important meeting. Judging by his lack of surprise, Si-baek must have briefed him.
Cha-eon hesitated before approaching him.
“I’m sorry to barge in like this without notice, but I have something urgent to say.”
His brow furrowed slightly as his gaze flickered briefly to her lips. Only then did Cha-eon realize she’d been absently touching them. Her lower lip, split from the earlier slap, tasted faintly of blood.
“Shameless enough to call me out and then stand there stiff-backed?”
Though his tone remained calm, the roughness of his words made her shoulders slump instinctively. Her head dipped lower.
“More important than a trillion-won hotel project?”
“What?”
“I’m curious—what could possibly be urgent enough to pull me away from a meeting?”
He walked into the office, loosened his cufflinks, and rolled up his sleeves casually. With a dismissive flick, he accepted documents from Si-baek.
“You said you had something to say. Speak.”
“Ahh.”
Leaning against the desk, he placed the stack of papers down and crossed his arms, gesturing impatiently for her to continue. Clearly, being summoned here had soured his mood.
“If you dragged me all the way here crying your eyes out, you don’t have time to just stand there like an idiot, do you?”
Finally recalling her purpose, Cha-eon hurriedly raised her head.
“I’m truly sorry for barging in like this, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
It was honest. She hadn’t planned to show up unannounced at his workplace, and she knew how absurd it must seem to him.
“Get to the point.”
“Ae-ran was taken. Please help her, Vice President.”
At her use of his title, the man smirked mockingly. His laughter always seemed to carry either ridicule or derision—she wasn’t sure which. But there was no time to dwell on pride or embarrassment. Though he appeared unfazed, her desperation was mounting.
“So, you’re calling me ‘Vice President’ now because you’re desperate?”
“…Ae-ran has a brother. I think he borrowed money, and now they’ve taken her because of his debt. They dragged her away—to a place where…”
“Compared to a trillion-won deal, this excuse sounds pretty weak, doesn’t it?”
His unexpected response left Cha-eon momentarily stunned. Ae-ran had been clear about their relationship—she’d claimed they liked each other, that his feelings were real.
“He said… he said he likes me. That he meets me because of his feelings. He said it, he really did.”
Ae-ran’s trembling confession now felt like a distant dream compared to the man’s cold indifference.
“This is laughable. You actually thought I’d go out of my way to rescue someone?”
“What?”
“You’re damn good at playing the victim, aren’t you?”
The man muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck in irritation before dropping his hand carelessly. Then, suddenly, he asked a question that made no sense.
“Is she really that precious to you? Precious enough to throw away your pride and come here like this for someone you barely know?”
“Barely know…? Unni and I have known each other for over ten years. She’s practically family to me. You’re the one who barely knows her—how can you say something like that?”
“Really? Then, for someone so close, would you suck off my subordinate over there too?”
He gestured toward Si-baek with a flick of his chin.
“You claim to be so close, yet you hesitate at something like that?”
The coldness in his voice brought tears to Cha-eon’s eyes.
“What kind of sisterhood is this shallow connection? Pathetic.”
His words struck a nerve because deep down, she felt exposed. Just as she had left Su-ji behind to attend university, pretending to be her steadfast support while abandoning her, wasn’t she doing the same with Ae-ran now—pretending to care?
“Whether it’s been ten years or a hundred, even if you were reborn, you’d never truly understand another person. Do you really think you know her that well?”
And so, unable to admit the truth—that she had only been pretending—she shot back defensively.
“I do know her. At least enough to say we don’t deserve to hear such things from you.”
“You don’t seem to.”
He spoke as though he knew something, his cryptic words infuriating her further. Calmly, he reached for his cigarette case, as if deliberately trying to burn her resolve into ashes. Watching him, she felt all the tension in the room dissolve into indifference.
“If you’ve said everything you came to say, leave. I’m busy.”
How could he dismiss her claims so coldly when he didn’t even know her? His icy certainty scorched through her mind.
Ae-ran’s flushed, excited expressions—the way they made Cha-eon’s heart flutter too—now seemed like cruel irony. She had stayed silent, believing Ae-ran finally had someone to lean on.
She remembered Ae-ran smiling as she talked about quitting her job—and suddenly, anger bubbled up inside her chest.
“You said you liked her.”
For the first time, the man’s eyebrows twitched slightly as he watched her intently.
“And what does that mean?”
“Then protect her! How can you say these things?”
Cha-eon, forgetting herself entirely, snapped at him accusingly.
“She’ll die before she gets out of there. They’ll make sure she never lives a normal life again.”
The man remained silent, and Cha-eon glared back defiantly. His incredulous expression was blatant.
In two strides, he closed the distance between them, abruptly reaching out his hand. Instinctively, she squeezed her eyes shut—but instead of striking her, his hand slid beneath her nape, gripping the back of her head and pressing it down toward him. She found herself bowing deeply before him.
“This is how you beg politely. Understand?”
Her breath trembled as she opened her eyes. The sight of his polished shoes filled her vision. His calm voice sent chills down her spine, contrasting sharply with her own emotions, which threatened to spill over.
“Si-baek, our guest is leaving.”
As he lit his cigarette, he exhaled a long plume of smoke, signaling her dismissal.
With resentment burning in her eyes, Cha-eon turned and walked out. Just as she opened the door, his low voice followed her.
“She’s crying. Take her home.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Brushing past the guards stationed outside the office, she headed straight for the elevator. She needed to think clearly. Even if this man refused to help, she couldn’t just give up. There had to be another way. Stumbling dizzily, she felt a firm grip steady her arm—it was Si-baek.
“What are you doing?”
“The VP ordered me to escort you home.”
“I’m fine. Stop following me.”
She swatted at his hand, but he caught her wrist tightly. At the same moment, the elevator doors slid open.
“Don’t act childish. We’re not doing this out of kindness.”
“…”
“Our boss dealing with someone like you makes us look foolish. Don’t get cocky.”
“…I—”
“One more slip-up with your tone, and everyone will suffer.”
Si-baek stepped into the elevator and motioned for her to follow.
This had been a mistake. She’d known it, yet she’d clung to this straw of hope. On the ride home, despite the luxurious leather seat cradling her back, she felt as though sitting on thorns.
As soon as the car stopped, she bolted out without looking back, rushing into the salon. The atmosphere inside was tense; the women sat somberly, uneaten lunches scattered around.
“Where did you go?”
“I thought someone could help.”
“Did it work?”
She shook her head. Though their words were harsh, the salon women worried about Ae-ran as if she were family. Still, none of them moved to act.
“What will happen to Ae-ran? She hated working there and ran away several times already… Hey! Where are you going now?”
“I’m heading home early.”
“We know you and Ae-ran are close, but reckless actions won’t help. That’s suicide.”
“Do you expect me to do nothing?”
“Cha-eon, don’t be foolish. You can’t solve anything by charging in. Do you have money? Without money, what can you possibly do? Think rationally. I feel sorry for Ae-ran too, but in this neighborhood, every woman has a tragic story. Look closely—they’re all pitiful. Try to stay rational.”
“I have money.”
Grabbing her bag from the corner of the couch, Cha-eon stormed out of the salon. Passing the restaurant, she approached the shattered remains of the massage parlor’s window. Amidst the broken glass lay scattered business cards for loan sharks, footprints smudged across them. Clutching one tightly, she turned toward the alley where Ae-ran had disappeared.
A black sedan passed by. It looked similar to the one Si-baek drove, but the odds of that man still being in the neighborhood were slim. Shaking off the thought, Cha-eon hailed a taxi.
The destination had no signboard—a faceless shop hiding whatever atrocities occurred within its walls. Bile rose in her throat.
Cha-eon stepped onto the stairs leading underground. The faded, threadbare maroon carpet hinted at the grim reality within.
Clutching her bag like a weapon, she pushed open the door. The musty smell of mold stung her throat. Women seated on worn-out sofas glanced at her briefly. A man guarding the entrance approached with hostility.
“What do you want?”
His tone was confrontational, certain she hadn’t come for anything good.
“I’m here to pay back Na Ae-ran’s debt—at least part of it. Please let her go.”
The man laughed derisively, patting her shoulder condescendingly.
“Listen, brat. You think you’re the first one to try this? Stop wasting my time and leave.”
“I’ll pay part of it now. I promise I’ll pay the rest later.”
Cha-eon opened her bag and pulled out the envelope containing the check. The man snatched it greedily, inspecting its contents. His eyes scanned Cha-eon from head to toe as he considered the thick stack of money inside.
Her nerves were stretched so taut that sweat trickled down her spine, sending chills through her body. She didn’t know the exact amount but could tell by the weight of the envelope—and the man’s reaction—that it was substantial.
“Do you even know how much Ae-ran owes?”
“That’s why I said I’d pay part of it!”
His calculating gaze slithered over her like a snake’s. But his greedy eyes held no real threat to someone familiar with such predatory looks. Tapping the envelope against his palm, he tilted his head mockingly.
“But there’s a problem. Ae-ran has customers waiting. She needs to work.”
Stay calm. Breathe. Don’t lose your composure.
Cha-eon repeated these words to herself, gripping onto her resolve.
“You wanna take her place instead? We’ll let her go if you do.”
The other men behind him burst into cruel laughter.
“What’s the big deal? Just spread your legs once. It’s not like it’s anything new, right?”
They laughed harder, clutching their stomachs while Cha-eon clenched her jaw, biting down hard on the inside of her cheek.
“Where is Unni?”
“She left ten minutes ago. Room 105 at Rose Motel. What are you gonna do, watch her have sex?”
Ignoring their jeers, Cha-eon turned and climbed the stairs. Her poorly fastened bag slipped off her shoulder and hit the ground, but she paid no heed.
Emerging into the alleyway, she sprinted toward the motel district nearby. The sky, clear just moments ago, had darkened, and rain began to fall. Despite the area being packed with motels, the sign for Rose Motel eluded her. The rain grew heavier, pelting her relentlessly.
Drip, drip—the rain soaked her hair and seeped into her lips. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Just one slap, yet the pain lingered all day. She steadied herself, trying to suppress the rising panic. Thought she’d overcome her trauma—but apparently not.
Standing foolishly in the middle of the alley, she finally spotted a flickering neon sign through the rain.
Barely noticing her blistered heels, she staggered toward it. Even she couldn’t explain why she was throwing caution to the wind like this.
Half of what Cha Kwon-seok had said was true. In truth, Ae-ran wasn’t Su-ji. They weren’t bound by blood or obligation. Logically, Cha-eon didn’t need to intervene this desperately.
So why was she fighting so hard? Was it guilt over losing Su-ji?
She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what had happened during her university years, but Su-ji must have suffered silently. And Cha-eon hadn’t been there to protect her.
The guilt of failing to notice—and the resentment of being left behind—twisted together, suffocating her like an invisible noose tightening around her neck every time emotions overwhelmed her.
She never wanted to feel that way again.
Passing rooms 101, 102, and 103, she walked deeper into the motel hallway. Moans echoed incessantly behind thin walls, impossible to trace to their source. Each room housed couples immersed in intimacy, oblivious to the world outside.
Standing before Room 105, she hesitated. Should she knock? Or should she turn back, pretend none of this happened, and wait for Ae-ran at home? Conflicted and uncertain, frustration mounted without resolution.
What exactly was she doing here?
Lost in thought, staring at her feet, she heard measured footsteps approaching.
Amidst the dank motel corridor reek, a foreign scent wafted toward her—a mix of cologne and aftershave. The steady rhythm of polished shoes signaled calmness and control.
Next to her own injured, mud-streaked feet stood pristine leather shoes untouched by the rain.
Slowly raising her head, she saw him: suit pants, white shirt, blue tie—the same impeccable attire from earlier.
He exhaled softly, his brow furrowed slightly. Two men stood behind him.
“Why? Are you planning to barge in and slap the guy fucking her?”
“...I used that money. I’m sorry.”
“So? If you spent it, you repay it.”
“...”
“Just kidding. Why are you trembling?”
Despite his teasing tone, Cha-eon couldn’t hide her anxiety. Gasping for air, she felt as though fireballs were erupting from her throat. Breathing heavily, she struggled to regain composure.
“You’re really something, aren’t you? Huh?”
“...Hoo.”
“Breathe deeply this time.”
Desperate, Cha-eon forced herself to exhale slowly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but gradually, her breathing steadied.
“Jong-seop, bring me my jacket.”
As soon as the command left his lips, Jong-seop handed over a suit jacket. Taking it, Cha Kwon-seok draped it over her shoulders. The familiar cologne confirmed it was his.
Only then did Cha-eon realize her soaked blouse revealed her bra underneath.
“What now? Are you just going to stand here?”
“...But...”
Unconsciously, her gaze fixed on Room 105. Hesitating, unsure what to do next, she froze when he knocked firmly on the door. Startled, she grabbed his arm, shaking her head frantically, but he ignored her.
When no one answered, Jong-seop kicked the door handle once, breaking it instantly.
“No...!”
With a thud, the old door opened, revealing a man and a woman panting as they were in the middle of a heated encounter. Cha-eon’s heart pounded. There was no need to go inside the open door. The narrow motel room naturally came into view.
“Kyaaah!”
“What, what is it!”
As the woman covered her chest with the bedsheets, the man was instantly naked. The man, who had jumped up, was huffing and puffing, his dick dangling. The black cock, covered in vaginal fluids, wagged from side to side.
The woman, covered in the blanket, looked at Cha-eon with puzzled eyes. It wasn’t Ae-ran.
“Well, are you satisfied?”
“...Did you know?”
“Just continue what you were doing.”
The man’s cock, swollen from not ejaculating, was dangling in front of her. Cha-eon subconsciously turned her head away. The man, who had been fucking, stood there snorting. He looked ready to pounce at any moment.
“Why are you so angry? Just finish your fucking.”
As soon as she closed the door, telling them to finish their fucking, the sound of rain became loud as if it were a lie.
“What, should I open more doors?”
Cha Kwon-seok asked seriously if she wanted to see the other rooms. Cha-eon shook her head and walked down the hallway. As soon as she came out of the motel, she spotted a familiar sedan. Jong-seop opened the back door. Behind her, Cha Kwon-seok, who seemed to be 190 cm tall, was standing.
Cha-eon was pushed into the back seat as if she were being swept away. Cha Kwon-seok, who sat next to her and buried himself in the seat, rubbed his temples with a look of annoyance.
“How did you know to come here? Then where is Ae-ran unnie...”
“Are you out of your mind? Even if you’re immature, how could you go in there alone?”
“What’s so special about a motel? I lived in a motel for 10 years. What else do you do in a motel besides fucking?”
She and her sister had endured like that in a corner of a shabby motel, beyond the reach of the law.
As she muttered as if arguing, he, who had been showing a silent, absurd smile, handed her a small piece of paper. The paper, held between the man’s long middle and index fingers, was the business card of a loan company she had.
“Ah... what is this place? It’s just a prostitution ring.”
“Do you want to say that after having your eyes gouged out?”
Cha-eon froze at the mention of organ trafficking. If that was true, it was strange that she had come out unscathed after talking so bluntly. Cha-eon turned her creaking head. Wait, then, does that mean... Ae-ran?
“Ae-ran unnie... Let me out here. Now!”
“Let’s go quietly with your mouth shut, it’s driving me crazy.”
“Ae-ran unnie is now...!”
“I put her back safely, so shut your mouth and let’s go. Okay?”
The man, asking if she understood, warned her as he looked into her eyes.
Cha-eon was relieved to hear that Ae-ran had returned home safely.
She made eye contact with Si-baek in the passenger seat through the rearview mirror. Remembering his request to be careful, she flinched. No matter how strong she pretended to be, she felt like a mere insect among these carnivorous dinosaur-like men.
“You’ll only come to your senses after having your bottom hole all torn up and wearing diapers.”
“...It’s just selling your body.”
She knew that she wouldn’t have been safe if she had gone there carelessly. She was a little annoyed at the man’s words, which were full of sarcasm even though he knew. Did he think she went there because she liked it? He said he wouldn’t help, so she went alone.
“You there...”
He stopped talking as if sighing and stared at her. It was a look of contempt.
“Two dicks at once is a good start. Do you understand, baby?”
Only then did Cha-eon’s lips close as if they were sewn shut. The man, clicking his tongue, rebuked her for going there alone without fear.
“Are you keeping your promise?”
Cha-eon couldn’t answer easily to his sudden question and only blinked.
“Kim Seok-won.”
“Ah, yes. I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Good girl.”
The man’s tone had a unique characteristic. When he spoke like this, it made her feel like a praised child. On the other hand, when he scolded her, she really felt immature. He made her speechless because his scolding was right, even though she was angry. Even if she tried to avoid him, the man kept hitting the core. Moreover, he picked only the parts she wanted to avoid, aiming only at those places sharply.
“You can talk if you want.”
“Yes? What, ah, Kim Seok-won.”
“It’s just that you’ll be a little tired.”
Indeed, how many people would have died at that man’s hands? The man, who seemed to not care at all, was just amused by her reaction. He would tease people to his heart’s content, and when they got angry and flared up, he would rebuke them for being disrespectful.
“I don’t want to get tired from being dragged around, so I’m fine.”
She seemed to see his smirk quite often. That was because it was a sneer.
“How did you get out of the motel?”
“Motel?”
“You said you lived there for 10 years.”
“Ah, yes. My sister and I bought a house with the money we saved. I wanted to get out of the motel as soon as possible. I really didn’t want to be there, so I wanted to get out, even if it was just a small room. I thought I could breathe properly if I got out of the motel...”
He didn’t seem like someone who would listen to other people’s words well, but the man just stared at her and listened.
He was still looking at her with his face tilted, but she was suspicious of the atmosphere of listening to her very kindly.
“By any chance... are you suddenly being nice because of what happened earlier? Are you afraid I’ll say something bad to Ae-ran unnie?”
He, who was looking for a cigarette as a habit, suddenly laughed out loud. If not, why would he ask her all these things now?
“I don’t know what she said to you.”
“......”
“No, never mind.”
“Excuse me, but.”
“Shut your mouth and go quietly.”
“You asked me first.”
“Myself...”
She mumbled, but he seemed to hear it again. Well, it would be strange if he couldn’t hear it in this small space. The man, who let out a hollow laugh at her choice of words, leaned back deeply into the seat and rubbed his temples, as if to say he wouldn’t say any more. He seemed tired of talking to a tiny girl who didn’t make sense.
Even so, since he had managed to get Ae-ran out, there was nothing more to say. In fact, she even felt a little grateful.
“Can I just ask one thing?”
“I’ll sew your mouth shut.”
After that, Cha-eon remained silent with her head bowed all the way home. Then, she glanced at the man sitting beside her. He really was handsome.
But his features—his sharp nose, deep-set eyes, and overall presence—were intense enough to overshadow even that handsomeness. Yes, in short, he was terrifying. He made her feel small and intimidated.
That was the kind of aura this man exuded. She could vaguely understand why Ae-ran might have been drawn to him.
He possessed a strength she had never encountered in her own neighborhood.
Whether it was ability or power, in every aspect, this man stood above others. The women in this area, who spent their lives floating like seaweed on the ocean currents, dependent on others, would never possess something like that.
The strength and protection he offered—a sense of security—might have driven Ae-ran mad with longing.
“I know I’m good-looking. But stop staring like that.”
“Huh? What?”
Cha-eon, lost in thought, finally snapped back to reality.
“What do you mean, ‘where’? What are you talking about?”
She blinked in confusion.
“Do you plan to stare at my face all night?”
Only then did she realize they had already arrived at her familiar alleyway—quite some time ago. Even though she knew, Cha-eon hesitated to get out of the car.
“Um...”
As she mentally scrambled for how to begin, the man, clearly impatient, gestured for her to hurry up. His message was clear: Say what you want quickly and leave.
It was hard for Cha-eon to start a conversation, so she just looked up at him. Normally, she wasn’t the type to hold back gratitude, but somehow saying something casual felt inappropriate, making her hesitate repeatedly. As she unintentionally stared into his eyes for too long, he didn’t break eye contact either.
Unable to get out of the car or speak freely, she fumbled for words in a way that was unlike her. Still, no proper phrase came to mind.
“Want to play a joke or something?”
His expression clearly showed annoyance. Still, strangely...
“I was just curious. Why would someone like Ae-ran be attracted to someone like you?”
If she had said that out loud, she might’ve been dragged off and buried alive right then and there. Cha-eon pinched her thigh to keep herself from blurting anything else. This strange man had even pushed her words of thanks back down her throat.
Just as she turned to leave, hand on the door handle, she turned back toward him. Though he seemed tired of dealing with her, she still bowed deeply to express her heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you... for today. And I’m sorry about earlier at the office. I shouldn’t have shown up unannounced like that. Thank you for coming. I truly mean it. I wanted to make sure you knew that. Your small act of kindness has saved people like us.”
Gratitude was gratitude, after all, and it was only right to express it.
Since it was sincere, she decided to say it honestly. That’s what Su-ji had told her: unless emotions were shared, the other person wouldn’t know. If the feelings weren’t malicious, it was better to be honest.
She hadn’t expected him to come, yet he had rescued Ae-ran from that terrible place, and now she owed him a debt too. It was only right to thank him for coming.
“Alright.”
Though his reply was simple, it felt genuine to her.
If she didn’t look away, this man wouldn’t either. Avoiding eye contact wasn’t something he was used to. His deep, dark eyes reminded her of the strong espresso coffee she used to drink in college. Perhaps that stern impression was softened by his serious demeanor.
His gaze, steady and calm, had always been like that—even when Seok-won was dying, or when she confronted him, or during their not-quite-meal together.
For someone like her, constantly battered by rough waves, this man was fascinating. Even earlier in the motel hallway, it had been the same. His eyes seemed unshakable, as if even a massive tidal wave wouldn’t faze him. They were intimidating, but also reassuring.
How foolish of me, really. Cha-eon laughed self-deprecatingly. He was like coffee—fragrant at first glance, but bitter when tasted.
“Why are you grinning like an idiot?”
“I wasn’t smiling.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
Being around him gave off a sense of solid safety that anyone could see. It was likely similar to what Ae-ran had felt.
“What’s that? Jung Cha-eon.”
“Huh?”
She had given him her name, so it was surprising to hear him use it. He had remembered. Somehow, everything about him seemed intriguing, especially since she had assumed he’d forget such trivial things.
“Take your bag and go.”
“Oh...”
Si-baek handed her the bag from the passenger seat. It was the same one she had almost discarded back in the red-light district, now dirty and worn. When had he picked it up...? She couldn’t ask, so she simply accepted the bag from Si-baek.
“I’m sorry for using that money. I don’t know how much it was, but...”
The idea of repaying it felt unrealistic, so the words stuck in her throat.
“What difference does it make if you know?”
Cha-eon swallowed her words and lowered her head. How could he so effortlessly scratch at her conscience like that? But as the guilty party, she had no right to complain.
“It was money meant to be used. Why do you feel so guilty about it? Aren’t you tired?”
“Still, accepting money without any obligation feels uncomfortable.”
Even though she had ended up giving it to those men earlier, she couldn’t just sweep it under the rug and pretend nothing happened.
“It’s uncomfortable, but there’s no way to repay it. Saying sorry seems to ease the guilt a little, and you probably want to hear me say it’s okay. Must be nice living life so conveniently.”
“For now, there’s no way, but later... somehow...”
“What later? Do you think selling yourself while lifting cheap skirts is the answer? You really think working at a convenience store and earning pocket change will solve anything?”
He furrowed his brow, as if his headache was worsening, and waved her off. He clearly had no energy left to argue with her.
“Just consider it charity and drop it.”
How easy it must be for him to dismiss such a large sum so casually.
But arguing further wouldn’t lead anywhere, so Cha-eon chose to stay silent.
In truth, as he had pointed out, there was no way for her to repay it currently. All she could offer were empty words of apology. Knowing that full well, he was warning her not to open her mouth carelessly unless she had a solution.
There was nothing she could say to refute his words—they were all true.
Just as he had said, the only thing she could do now was bow her head in gratitude.
She bowed deeply once more and stepped out of the car. The light on the second floor was on, so it seemed Ae-ran had already come home. With a light step, Cha-eon entered the house. It wasn’t until she stood in front of the mirror that she realized his suit jacket was still draped over her shoulders.
He must have noticed it—so why hadn’t he told her to take it off?
It was strange that someone who had gone out of their way to retrieve her cheap bag, which she had practically discarded in the red-light district, didn’t give a second thought to this expensive jacket. Wrapped in the deep scent of perfume clinging to the jacket, Cha-eon stared at herself in the mirror for a long time.
His words might be harsh, but strangely, he always showed up exactly when she needed help.
Unlike that terrifying morning when she first smelled this scent, it now felt like armor that would protect her no matter what came her way. The moment he appeared...
I’m losing my mind. Even knowing that, Cha-eon couldn’t stop fiddling with the jacket for a while. She never expected him to show up like that. He was a man accustomed to harming others—she never imagined she’d receive help from someone like him.
The scent grew stronger with every rub of the fabric, and her heart began pounding wildly. At that moment, the sharp voice of her past experiences warned her. Based on everything she’d been through, he was dangerous. If you wanted something from him, you’d have to give even more in return. That’s just the kind of man he was.
Looking back, she had approached him out of desperation, but she hadn’t really expected anything from him in the first place. From the moment she saw him, she knew he wasn’t the kind of man who would easily grant her wishes.
Her body suddenly chilled, as if doused with cold water. Cha-eon stood there like a statue, wearing the luxurious suit jacket that didn’t suit her at all.
________________________________________
The fan, which had been trembling noisily, was finally kicked out of the hair salon.
The cool air conditioning brushed against her hair, soothing the rising irritation caused by the heat.
Cha-eon swept up the stray strands of hair scattered across the salon floor and glanced outside the window, which had become unbearably hot again despite the earlier rain. Still, it would probably rain again by nightfall.
The unpredictable summer weather truly exhausted people. But it was still better than the freezing winter—that much was true for everyone in this neighborhood.
Hui-a returned from a nearby café with coffee, handing out cups to everyone. Strong black coffee filled the room as she opened the lid of an Americano, the rich aroma wafting toward their faces.
“Cha-eon-ah, how can you drink something so hot in this heat?”
Hui-a shook her head in disbelief as she sipped her iced coffee. Cha-eon took a sip of hers and headed toward the back door to hang up the wet mop.
“Hey, Ae-ran’s here.”
“Na Ae-ran, you crazy girl! Are you okay? How did you get out?”
“You seem fine. Your body looks alright, at least.”
Amid the sudden commotion in the salon, Cha-eon paused mid-task and looked at Ae-ran, who had just walked in.
Their eyes met. Neither mentioned what had happened the previous night, but Ae-ran seemed to vaguely know that Kwon Seok had intervened in this situation. Had they met? Talked on the phone? Why did it matter? What difference would knowing make?
“Sister, are you feeling better?”
“Yeah. Did everyone really worry about me?”
“You idiot! We were seriously worried!”
“There’s no need to be serious. Everything worked out fine.”
“I’m glad, really.”
The women of the salon gathered around the tteokbokki and sundae Ae-ran had brought.
“Hey, but isn’t that rumor false?”
“What rumor?”
“Oh, I heard some people saying you met Vice President Mun-seong. Someone claimed to have seen him around here with you.”
What the salon women were really curious about wasn’t how Ae-ran escaped but rather the identity of the man she was meeting. When Ae-ran silently ate her sundae without responding, the women nervously swallowed, anticipation building.
“Well?”
“Tsk, look at her. She’s acting like it’s not true because it’s not. See? I told you.”
“No, no, who started that rumor? But you are seeing someone, right?”
Ae-ran met Cha-eon’s gaze, smiling calmly as she effortlessly deflected the awkward questions.
“I knew it! Who is it? Do we know him?”
Amid the chaos of the salon women, Cha-eon awkwardly smiled. Whatever had happened, Ae-ran seemed unharmed. That was enough. Cha-eon looked down at her cup of dark coffee. It was deep and intense—staring at it too long made her feel uneasy.
“Cha-eon-ah, let’s go home together later. I bought some clothes—I got something for you too.”
Was that man coming to pick her up again? Were these clothes from him? Try as she might to avoid it, thoughts of him kept creeping into her mind.
Whether he was her sponsor or lover remained ambiguous, but Ae-ran’s habit of dragging her along whenever she met him was undeniable. Regardless of his intentions, it was undeniably uncomfortable.
Cha-eon didn’t want to get caught in another awkward situation between the two of them. Therefore, she didn’t want to meet him. No, she shouldn’t meet him. They weren’t supposed to have any connection. No, they couldn’t .
“I have plans tonight. Sorry.”
That meant she should preemptively decline any invitations where he might appear.
“Oh, I just got a call. Excuse me.”
Ae-ran raised her hand, painted with purple nail polish, signaling for silence before checking the caller ID and stepping out of the salon.
“What? Was that him?”
“Look at her, look at her! She won’t tell us who it is, but she’s smirking like she knows something. Sometimes I lose interest in her when she acts like that.”
“Leave her alone. It’s been ages since Na Ae-ran dated anyone. We need some excitement in our boring lives. Speaking of which, didn’t she bring enough tteokbokki sauce? Honestly, Na Ae-ran. How does she eat sundae without tteokbokki sauce?”
Though Cha-eon couldn’t tell who Ae-ran was talking to, she felt self-conscious under Ae-ran’s lingering gaze. Rising from her seat, she slipped out the back door. Why was she even bothered? There was no reason to care. Absolutely none.
Thinking about Ae-ran and that man together made her chest tighten uncomfortably.
She found herself glancing at Ae-ran repeatedly and straining to hear if the person on the other end of the call was him. Cha-eon ruffled her hair in frustration. This was a pointless waste of energy.
If only it would rain again, like last night—cool and refreshing.
Sitting on a plastic chair by the back door, Cha-eon gazed up at the blazing sky, waiting for time to pass. Surely the coffee would be finished by now. Peeking inside to check, she saw Yeong-rim tidying up after serving one customer—Grandma Kim, who ran the neighborhood bathhouse.
Everything seemed normal, yet something inexplicably felt off. What was this suffocating feeling?
Cha-eon sighed deeply. It was a sigh without reason.
After work, she hurried straight home without looking back, afraid that if she ran into Ae-ran with that man, he might approach her again—and that thought weighed heavily on her.
When she opened the door, an unfamiliar scent greeted her. Hanging on the wardrobe was the suit jacket. She had to return it soon. What excuse could she possibly give if Ae-ran came over?
Coming up with ridiculous lies and excuses was exactly what she hated most, yet somehow, situations always forced her into them.
“...I don’t know.”
It wasn’t like she had chosen this situation willingly.
She rummaged through the kitchen cabinets. She wanted a warm drip coffee, but all she had were instant mix packets and black instant coffee. Nothing satisfying to drink.
While washing dishes, Cha-eon eventually gave up halfway, threw things aside, and collapsed onto her bed. Exhaustion hit her hard, yet sleep eluded her.
Tick-tock, tick-tock—the clock hands moved steadily. Pitter-patter, raindrops began tapping against the windowpane. As always, the season was fickle. Still, the sound of raindrops falling in the quiet room wasn’t unpleasant.
Despite not eating much, her stomach began to ache, likely due to tension easing. She tried lying down to fall asleep, but it didn’t help. Feeling stifled, she pounded her chest lightly before grabbing an umbrella and heading out the door. The convenience store was a bit of a walk, but taking a pill seemed like the best option.
As she reached the entrance with her umbrella, a familiar voice drifted through the night air. It was Ae-ran’s voice.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lie. Oh, no—it’s not that. I haven’t even kept all my promises, so I can’t accept payment for effort. I tried to take care of Cha-eon as promised, but because of me, she ended up suffering unnecessarily. Don’t worry—I’ll keep an eye on her.”
What on earth was this about? Why was her name being mentioned?
“Because of me, Cha-eon went through unnecessary trouble... I’m sorry. Yes.”
Through the rear car window, Cha-eon saw Ae-ran bowing her head. The black sedan looked familiar.
It was him.
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