SELA - 24

“Why? Can’t you eat shrimp?”

Just as Sa-hee was distracted by Ji-hyuk’s lingering gaze, a sudden question came from beside her. It was Young-shin. She smiled, but it wasn’t particularly warm or friendly. Sa-hee swallowed her unease and calmly replied.

“Yes, I have an allergy.”

“I see. I should’ve been more mindful. But how does Ji-hyuk know?”

“He can’t eat them either.”

The abrupt, clipped explanation made Young-shin narrow her brows. Her eyes darted between Ji-hyuk and Sa-hee.

Young-shin had always disliked the two of them being close, even outside of work. So, hearing that Ji-hyuk knew something as personal as Sa-hee’s dietary restrictions must have irked her deeply. Though she didn’t show it outwardly, this situation surely grated on her nerves.

Noticing Young-shin’s subtly frosty expression, Sa-hee quickly added an explanation.

“I went on a business trip to Busan once. During the trip, I was served a meal, and I accidentally ate something with shrimp in it. I ended up having a severe reaction and had to go to the hospital. That’s probably why he remembers. He has an excellent memory, after all…”

“Ah, I see.”

Finally, Young-shin’s gaze softened slightly. Sa-hee, wearing the mask of polite professionalism, smiled at Young-shin and Ji-hyuk in turn. One of Ji-hyuk’s eyebrows quirked faintly.

“I love shrimp.”

Suddenly, Ji-young spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention.

“I’ll eat anything, Oppa.”

Ji-hyuk glanced briefly at Ji-young before continuing his meal without comment. He seemed utterly disinterested. Yet Ji-young, her cheeks still flushed, tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled softly, lost in her own world.

Though not overly eventful, the dinner had been less than comfortable. Afterward, Sa-hee and Ji-young found themselves seated together at the garden tea table, where light refreshments were served.

“I mentioned it before, didn’t I? I think we’ll be seeing each other often.”

Unexpectedly, Ji-young initiated the conversation. Sa-hee, who had been absently stepping on the soft green grass beneath her feet, looked up to respond.

“Yes, you did. And here we are.”

“Thank you for your help. I trust you’ll assist me a lot.”

Sa-hee felt a bitter taste forming in her mouth. This shouldn’t be happening.

Realizing her thoughts were straying, she quickly steadied herself. She resolved to stop feeling this way. No one had forced her into this. No one had pushed her. It was her own decision. Moving forward, she wouldn’t blame anyone or wallow in pain—she would simply follow through with her resolve. Hoping for his happiness and blessing him with a long life was enough.

“I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you, Unnie.”

At the word “Unnie,” Sa-hee paused.

“Unnie?”

“Yes. From now on, I’ll call you Unnie. Let’s get along well.”

Ji-young truly had an affectionate personality. Sa-hee, choosing not to reply verbally, offered only a silent smile.

“You might not see me this way, Unnie, but I think Oppa and I are truly special to each other.”

“Ah.”

“I’m different from those other women. They’re just starting to take an interest in Oppa, but I’ve liked him since I was little. I’ve always believed that someday we’d end up together.”

“I see.”

“It’s not just me. Oppa definitely treats me differently too. There’s something special about the way he is with me. Sure, he seems distant and cold to others, but I know how warm-hearted he really is. Because he’s shown me that side of himself many times.”

Sa-hee couldn’t deny it. She might know Ji-hyuk’s true nature better than anyone—his warm heart, considerate manners, and elegant disposition. Perhaps even better than anyone else could.

But she couldn’t say, “I know him well too.” Instead, she silently nodded. Seeing her agree so readily, Ji-young smiled brightly, clearly enjoying the conversation.

“I think it happened in a garden like this.”

“Hmm?”

“Oh, I mean the moment I fell for Oppa all over again. It just came to mind.”

On the day of Joon-young’s birthday party, Ji-young had been sitting in her room, overwhelmed with despair. She couldn’t muster the courage to face people in the oversized green dress hanging in her closet. Already self-conscious about the weight she’d gained during her time studying abroad in Chicago, the thought of looking like Shrek’s wife in that dress made her want to disappear. At seventeen, she was at her most sensitive, wishing she could faint just to escape the humiliation.

Predictably, things unfolded as she feared. While Joon-young was absent, people masked their ridicule with thinly veiled advice and mockery. Ji-young sank deeper into shame, unable to defend herself. That’s when Ji-hyuk unexpectedly stepped in. The man who had always seemed indifferent and cold took her side. Ji-young’s ears burned red at the realization that someone who barely knew her stood up for her.

“That must have been the moment. The beginning of my first love.”

Ji-young murmured dreamily, as if reliving the memory.

In the end, Ji-young fled the scene. The embarrassment from both the mocking crowd and Ji-hyuk’s unexpected kindness overwhelmed her, making it unbearable to stay.

After hiding for a while in the mansion’s backyard to avoid people, her body chilled by the night breeze, Ji-young felt something drape over her shoulders—a jacket. Once again, it was Ji-hyuk. He claimed it was a favor for Joon-young, but Ji-young knew better. Beneath the excuse lay his inherent kindness and warmth. Watching her teary-eyed, Ji-hyuk lit a cigarette and stayed silent.

“Oppa is really kind, isn’t he?”

Ji-young’s question elicited only a faint smile from Sa-hee. His kindness was something Sa-hee understood well. Still, Ji-young’s story felt fresh—it revealed another fragment of Ji-hyuk’s past she hadn’t known.

“After that, he helped me often. That’s when I decided: even if I die soon, I must become a woman worthy of Oppa. And here we are.”

Ji-young mimicked the gesture of a princess spreading her skirt, smiling brightly. She was now radiant and confident, leaving no trace of her former insecurities behind.

“Secretary Yoon, aren’t you leaving?”

Just then, Ji-hyuk appeared in the garden, having finished his conversation with his father, Tae-won. His tall, lean frame fit perfectly in his sleek black suit, blending seamlessly into the dimly lit garden like a painting. Remembering his past kindness, Sa-hee smiled faintly.

“Yes, I should be going soon.”

“I’ll drop you off on my way. Let’s go together.”

By now, Ji-hyuk had approached the tea table, hands in his pockets, looking down at Sa-hee with his unreadable dark eyes. Casually breaking the corner of a cookie with his fingers, he exuded an air of nonchalance.

For a moment, Sa-hee watched his fingertips, then snapped out of it and shook her head.

“No, it’s fine.”

“That same old ‘it’s fine’ line.”

“It’s not that...”

“Unnie! I’ll take you home!”

As Ji-hyuk and Sa-hee continued their tug-of-war, Ji-young suddenly interjected.

“Secretary Yoon. It’s hard to catch a ride around here, so just come with me.”

Ignoring Ji-young completely, Ji-hyuk persisted, once again asking Sa-hee to leave with him.

“Ji-hyuk.”

Amid their back-and-forth offers, a soft voice interrupted from behind. It was Young-shin, smiling gently.

“My son, today Secretary Yoon is my guest. Naturally, I’ll take care of her departure. Park, the chauffeur, will escort her home. You don’t need to worry—go ahead.”

At her words, Ji-hyuk turned to look at Young-shin. Their gazes locked in silence for a moment. Then, with a faint smile, Ji-hyuk set the cookie down and lightly brushed his fingers clean.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave.”

“Alright, drive safely, son. Let me know when you arrive.”

“Goodbye.”

Ruffling his hair, which had been tousled by the cool evening breeze, Ji-hyuk crossed the garden and disappeared from sight. For a moment, the three remaining figures exchanged awkward smiles. Ji-young, in particular, visibly relaxed.

Not long after, Sa-hee also prepared to leave. The chauffeur sent to take her home had arrived.

“I’ll be going now.”

“You’ve worked hard today, Secretary Yoon. See you again soon. I’ll keep in touch.”

“And I’ll contact you often, right?”

Ji-young giggled softly, prompting Young-shin to smile fondly. Sa-hee gave them one last glance before turning away.

“We’ll depart now.”

With that, the car pulled away, and the mansion, grand like a castle, gradually faded into the distance behind her. Outside, the towering gray walls made it impossible to peer inside—a world entirely sealed off.

A wave of fatigue washed over Sa-hee, and she let out a small yawn. Sinking into the plush seat, her weary body finally relaxed.

As the car drove through the neighborhood, the tall walls continued endlessly. The sensation reminded her of being trapped in a narrow maze, running and running with no end in sight. It mirrored the feelings she’d been grappling with for some time.

Am I doing the right thing? Somehow, she felt uneasy. Rubbing her tired eyelids, Sa-hee sighed deeply.